JP2006058913A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance workability of exchanging configuration components and effective use of components, and to allow to exchange the components at an appropriate time. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus provided with at least an image carrying means, a developing means for developing a latent image to a visible image, and an intermediate transfer means for receiving the transfer of the image developed as the visible image and transferring the visible image to a paper sheet, is constituted by unitizing these means to an image carrier unit 140, a development unit 6, and an intermediate transfer unit 100, respectively. Regarding at least one unit, the components or the materials of two or more kinds among the components and materials constituting this unit are defined in their forms, materials and utilization conditions become substantially the same time, when the prescribed performance cannot be maintained any longer, such that the attachment of the units can be canceled independently, on the basis of the arrival of this time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for replacing a unit constituting the apparatus.

  Image forming means comprising at least an image carrying means, a developing means for visualizing the latent image, and an intermediate transfer means for receiving the visualized image and transferring the visible image to a sheet There is a device. In such an image forming apparatus, (b) various components constituting the image carrying unit, the developing unit, and the intermediate transfer unit (b) collected at the image carrying unit and the intermediate transfer unit as parts to be replaced on the user side There is a collection box (c) of waste toner to be discharged, and there are paper and toner to be replenished. Of these replacement and replenishment operations, the most troublesome operation for the user is the replacement operation.

  In addition, when these image carrying means, developing means, intermediate transfer means, etc. are configured as a set of parts each having a certain unit, and these sets are replaced as a unit, various parts constituting the set. However, since the entire assembly is exchanged in accordance with the life of the shortest part, there is a problem that parts having a long life are wasted.

  On the other hand, there is provided a color electrophotographic apparatus in which a plurality of image forming units perform an image forming operation in a state where the developing unit is disposed above the axial center of the photoconductor in the gravity direction and the cleaner unit is disposed below the gravity direction. Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 7-287502 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the workability of replacing parts constituting the image forming apparatus and the effective utilization of the parts. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of replacing parts at an appropriate time.

In order to achieve the object, the present invention has the following configuration.
(1). An image forming apparatus comprising at least an image carrying unit, a developing unit that visualizes a latent image, and an intermediate transfer unit that receives the transferred image and transfers the visible image to a sheet. An image carrier unit having an integral structure including the image bearing means and the image bearing means and an auxiliary member thereof, and a developing unit having an integral structure including the developing means and the image development means and an incidental member thereof. The intermediate transfer unit including the intermediate transfer unit and its associated member is integrated into an intermediate transfer unit and assembled to the main body, and at least one of the parts or materials constituting the unit for at least one of the units. Determine the form, material, and usage conditions so that the period when the specified performance cannot be maintained for the parts or materials of Independently of the criteria to be able to release the assembled said (claim 1).
(2). In the image forming apparatus described in (1), the time when the performance cannot be maintained refers to the life of the part or the material. When the part constitutes a container, the contents contained in the container The time was increased with time and became full (claim 2).
(3). (1) In the image forming apparatus according to (1), the image carrier unit includes a unit case that includes at least a photosensitive member, a charging unit that uniformly charges the photosensitive member, and a cleaning unit that cleans the photosensitive member. A unit-like waste toner container attached to the unit case and containing waste toner cleaned from the photosensitive member by the cleaning unit, and detecting when the waste toner is full in the waste toner container And a life of components and materials of the photoconductor unit is set so that the time to replace the photoconductor unit is reached when the waste toner is full by the waste toner full detection means. Item 3).
(4). (3) In the image forming apparatus described in (3), the component that determines the replacement timing of the photosensitive unit is a photosensitive member, and the life of the photosensitive member and the time when the exhausted toner is full are almost simultaneously, or The capacity of the waste toner container is set so that the exhaust toner is full before the end of the service life, and the waste toner discard cycle and the photoconductor replacement cycle are matched.
(5). (4) In the image forming apparatus described in (4), the photosensitive member has a drum shape, and the unused photosensitive member used for replacement is covered with a protective film.
(6). (3) In the image forming apparatus according to (3), the life of the component having the shortest lifetime among the components of the photoreceptor unit and the exhaust toner full portion are substantially the same. The capacity was set, and the disposal cycle of the waste toner stored in the waste toner storage unit was matched with the replacement cycle of the component having the shortest life (claim 6).
(7). In the image forming apparatus according to (6), the component having the shortest life is a charging brush as the charging unit.
(8). The image forming apparatus according to (3), (4), (6) or (7), comprising a plurality of the photoreceptor units, all of the plurality of photoreceptor units having the same shape and size, and the main body It is supposed that the mounting is compatible with (Claim 8).
(9). (1) In the image forming apparatus described in (1), the developing unit has a unit case attached with at least a developing means including a developing roller and a toner agitating / conveying means, and a developer containing toner is contained in the developing unit. The replacement according to the life of the developer is performed for the entire developing unit together with the unit case.
(10). (9) In the image forming apparatus according to (9), the developing unit is configured as a plurality of developing units filled with different color developers, and replacement of each color developer according to the lifetime of each color is performed simultaneously for each unit case. The entire developing unit is performed (claim 10).
(11). The image forming apparatus according to (9) or (10), wherein a plurality of the developing units are provided, all of the plurality of developing units have the same shape and the same size, and the plurality of developing units are all mounted compatible with the main body. (Claim 11).
(12). (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), (7), (8), (9)
In the image forming apparatus according to (10) or (11), the image carrier unit or the photosensitive unit and the developing unit are configured as a detachable composite unit, and the composite unit is also detachable from the main body. The image carrier unit or the photoconductor unit and the developing unit, which has a shorter replacement cycle or shorter life, are detachable from the main body or the composite unit.
(13). (1) In the image forming apparatus according to (1), the intermediate transfer unit includes at least an intermediate transfer belt, transfer means for applying a transfer bias for transferring an image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt, and cleaning for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt. A container-like waste toner accommodating portion for accommodating waste toner attached to the unit case and cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt by the cleaning means; and the waste toner accommodating portion. And a waste toner full detecting means for detecting when the waste toner is full in the section, and the replacement part of the intermediate transfer unit comes to be replaced when the waste toner full is detected by the waste toner full detection means. The lifetime of the material was set (claim 10).
(14). (13) In the image forming apparatus according to (13), the waste toner is accommodated so that the life of the intermediate transfer belt and the full time of the waste toner are substantially the same time, or the waste toner is full before the life of the intermediate transfer belt. The volume of the unit is set, and the discarding cycle of the waste toner stored in the waste toner storage unit is matched with the replacement cycle of the intermediate transfer belt (claim 14).
(15). (13) In the image forming apparatus according to (13), the life of the component having the shortest life among the components of the intermediate transfer unit and the exhausted toner full state are substantially at the same time. The capacity was set, and the waste toner discarding cycle was matched with the replacement cycle of the component with the shortest life.
(16). It is a method for replacing a unit in an image forming apparatus in which at least a photosensitive member, a charging unit for charging the photosensitive member, and a photosensitive unit having a unit case attached with a cleaning unit for cleaning the photosensitive member is detachably provided on the main body. The waste toner full detection means that detects when the waste toner is full in the container-like waste toner storage portion that is attached to the unit case and that contains the waste toner cleaned from the photosensitive member by the cleaning means. The photosensitive unit is replaced when it is detected that the toner is full.
(17). At least an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer means for applying a transfer bias for transferring an image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt, and an intermediate transfer unit having a unit case attached with a cleaning means for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt can be attached to and detached from the main body. A unit replacement method in the image forming apparatus provided in the image forming apparatus, comprising: a waste toner storage unit attached to the unit case and configured to store the waste toner cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt by the cleaning unit. The intermediate transfer unit is replaced when the waste toner full is detected by the waste toner full detection means for detecting when the toner is full.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the so-called lifetimes of the parts constituting the unit are substantially the same, so that it is possible to improve the workability of parts replacement and the effective utilization of the parts by omitting double labor. According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid overflowing the contents due to leaving when the component constituting the unit is a container.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the waste toner can be processed in accordance with the replacement of the photosensitive unit. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the life of the photoconductor is not yet reached when the waste toner is full, it is possible to avoid the deterioration of the image quality caused by the photoconductor.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the photosensitive drum from being damaged during storage or replacement work. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is avoided that the entire image forming function is lost due to one component having the shortest life in the unit. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the entire function of the image forming apparatus is not lost due to the malfunction of the charging brush.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the amount of parts stored as spares on the user side can be reduced. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the entire developer is replaced, the developer can be relieved from being a complicated operation. The invention according to claim 10 is freed from the color developer replacement operation. In the invention described in claim 11, the manufacturing cost can be reduced for a plurality of developing units, and the amount of parts stored as spares for replacement can be reduced.
In the invention of claim 12, the composite unit as a whole is separated from the main body, and in this state, the composite unit can be further disassembled for each constituent unit in a workable environment and can be replaced individually. Replacement work can be facilitated.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the lifetime of the intermediate transfer unit can be known by detecting the waste toner. According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know this by detecting the waste toner before the end of the life of the intermediate transfer belt. According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the timing of component replacement by detecting the fullness of the waste toner.
According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the photosensitive unit is replaced when the toner exhaustion is detected, it is possible to surely cope with both of them and to save the double work. According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the intermediate transfer unit is replaced when exhausted toner full is detected, it is possible to reliably cope with both of them and to save the double labor of work.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
[1] Description of entire image forming apparatus [1] -a. Overall Image Forming Apparatus An example of an image forming apparatus suitable for carrying out the present invention will be described below together with an image forming process. In this image forming apparatus, a drum-shaped photoconductor (hereinafter referred to as a photoconductor drum) is used as an image carrier, and a charger, a writing unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit, and the like are arranged around the photoconductor. The two image stations are arranged along the same moving surface of the intermediate transfer belt at a predetermined interval.

  The image formation process is in accordance with a general electrostatic recording system when focusing on one image station, and a certain electrostatic color is formed by a writing means on a photosensitive member uniformly charged by a charger in the dark. A latent image is written, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by a developing unit and transferred to an intermediate transfer belt.

  Assuming that the developing means in each image station has a function of visualizing two different colors of toner, black is added to the three primary colors, resulting in four colors. Therefore, these colors are assigned to each developing means. Thus, a full color image can be formed.

  Therefore, while the same image forming area of the intermediate transfer belt sequentially passes through the two image stations, the toner images are transferred one by one by each image station, and the two-color overlapping transfer on the intermediate transfer belt is performed. If the toner image of a different color is transferred by each image station while the image area again passes through the two image stations once again, the same image forming area is transferred to each image station. When the toner passes two times, the full-color toner image is transferred over. If this full-color toner image is transferred to transfer paper, a full-color image can be obtained on the transfer paper. The toner image on the transfer paper can be fixed by a fixing unit to obtain a full-color final image on the transfer paper.

  An example described below is an image forming apparatus using such an image process, which can obtain a high-speed print output in synchronization with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt. The photoconductor drum and the writing means using a combination of an LED and a converging light transmitter are illustrated, but as an example of this modification, an endless belt-like image carrier may be used. Alternatively, a laser light source may be used as writing means. Further, the image carrier is not limited to a photoconductor, but can be a medium that can form a latent image only by an action other than light, and an electromagnetic change due to an action other than light on such an image carrier. It is also possible to use writing means that can provide

[1] -b. Outline of image forming process This example transfers a toner image formed with at least three primary colors of A, B and C on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt to an intermediate transfer belt as an intermediate transfer member. In the image forming method in which the color image on the intermediate transfer belt is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer means, as shown in FIG. 18, along the same moving surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 running in the direction of the arrow a ′. The first image station 14 and the second image station 24 which are arranged at regular intervals and have a photosensitive drum, a charging unit, and a developing unit, respectively, are shown on the intermediate transfer belt 10 as shown in FIG. The toner images are transferred in order, and the color image obtained on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is transferred onto the transfer paper P by the transfer means 11.

[1] -c. Specific example of image forming process (1)
Here, when the total length of the intermediate transfer belt 10 is L and the length corresponding to the length in the moving direction when transferring the transfer paper P is m, FIG. 19 shows the color image forming process when L = m + α. FIG. 20 shows the color image forming process when L = 2 (m + α). However, in FIGS. 19 and 20, α is the length of the non-image area on the intermediate transfer belt in the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt, and in FIGS. 19 and 20, α <m. The length of α varies depending on the length of the image area on the intermediate transfer belt or the length of the transfer paper used. Therefore, depending on the length of the transfer paper P, there may be a case where α> m.

In FIG.
(1) The A color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the first image station 14 having the A color developing means.

(2) The second image station 24 superimposes and transfers the B color toner image to the A color toner image to obtain the A and B color toner images. The first image station 14 applies the C color to the A and B color toner images. The toner images are superimposed and transferred to obtain A, B, and C color toner images. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 10 rotates approximately once.

(3) The A, B, C color toner image obtained in the step (2) is transferred by superimposing the D color toner (black toner) image by the second image station 24, and the resulting full color image is transferred onto the transfer paper. Transfer is performed on P (first sheet) by a transfer roller 11 as a transfer unit. Transfer onto the transfer paper P (first sheet) is performed during the second rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(4) When a plurality of color prints are to be taken, the A color toner image is transferred by the first image station 14 simultaneously with the overlap transfer of the D color toner image by the second image station 24 in the step (3). Then, the second image station 24 superimposes and transfers the B color toner image to obtain the A and B color toner images.

(5) The C color toner image is transferred to the A and B color toner images obtained in the step (4) by the first image station 14, and then the D color toner image is transferred by the second image station 24. This is transferred to the second transfer sheet P (second sheet). Transfer onto the transfer paper P (second sheet) is performed during the fourth rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(6) The third and subsequent prints are obtained at the sixth rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 10 by repeating the steps from step (3).

[1] -d. Specific example of image forming process (2)
In the case of (L / 2 = m + α) in FIG. 20, (1) A color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the first image station 14 having the A color developing means.

(2) Further, while the subsequent A color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the first image station 14, the B color toner image is transferred to the preceding A color toner image by the second image station 24. Thus, A and B color toner images are obtained. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 10 rotates approximately once.

(3) The A, B, C color toner images are transferred onto the A, B color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 10 obtained in the step (2) by the first image station 14 to transfer the A, B, C color toner images. The A, B, C color toner images are transferred onto the D color toner (black toner) image by the second image station 24 and transferred, and the resulting full color image is transferred onto the transfer paper P (first sheet). 11 for transfer. Transfer onto the transfer sheet P (first sheet) is started from approximately 1.5 rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(4) When a plurality of color copies are to be made, in step (3), A, B, C color toner images are obtained by the first image station 14, and the A color toner images are transferred by the first image station 14. On the other hand, the D color toner image is transferred onto the A, B, C color toner images by the second image station 24, and the obtained full color image is transferred to the second transfer paper P (second sheet). Transfer onto the transfer paper P (second sheet) is started from approximately 2.5 rotations of the intermediate transfer belt.

(5) The B color toner image is superimposed and transferred by the second image station 24 to the A color toner image transferred by the first image station 14 in step (4).

(6) While the subsequent A color toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the first image station 14, the B color toner image is obtained by the second image station 24 to the A color toner image obtained in the step (4). Are transferred to obtain A and B color toner images. (7) The A, B, C color toner images obtained in step (6) are superposed and transferred by the first image station 14 to obtain A, B, C color toner images. The B toner image is transferred onto the B and C color toner images by the second image station 24, and the obtained color image is transferred to the third transfer sheet P (third sheet). Transfer onto the transfer paper P (third sheet) is started from approximately 3.5 rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(8) While the A color toner image is transferred by the first image station 14, the D color toner image is superimposed by the second image station 24 on the A, B, C color toner images obtained in the step (7). The transferred color image is transferred onto the fourth transfer sheet P (fourth sheet). Transfer onto the transfer paper P (fourth sheet) is started from approximately 4.5 rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

  As described above, when the intermediate transfer belt 10 has a length more than twice the length of the transfer paper P to be used, the first print is 2 rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the second print is 3 rotations. The fourth sheet is obtained by 4 rotations, and the fourth sheet is obtained by 5 rotations. That is, each print is started at the number of rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 10 obtained by adding about 0.5 to the number of prints, and the number of prints to be obtained is obtained at the number of rotations obtained by adding 1 to the number of prints.

[1] -e. Configuration of Entire Image Forming Apparatus In FIG. 21 showing the outline of the entire image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is stretched between a driven roller 13 and a driving roller 12, and is indicated by an arrow a ′ by the driving roller 12. Driven to travel in the direction. The intermediate transfer belt 10 is given an optimum tension by a tension roller 60. On the lower running surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10, the first image station 14 and the second image station 24 are arranged at a constant interval along the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt 10. The intermediate transfer belt 10 is longer by the non-image area than the length in the moving direction of the maximum size transfer paper used in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  The first image station 14 is modulated by a brush-shaped charger 17 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 as an image carrier, and an image signal based on the original on the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 16. It mainly comprises a writing means 18 for writing with a beam, an A color developing device 19, a C color developing device 20, and a cleaning means 21, and the A color developing device 19 and the C color developing device 20 perform the first development. The apparatus 6 is comprised.

  The second image station 24 has the same configuration as that of the first image station 14, and includes a photosensitive drum 26, a charger 27, a writing unit 28, a B color developing unit 29, a D color developing unit 30, and a cleaning unit. 31 and the B color developing device 29 and the D color developing device 30 constitute a second developing device 8. The second image station 24 is mounted on the apparatus main body in the same posture as the first image station 14.

  The image stations 14 and 24 are detachably attached to the apparatus main body. The rotation of each of the photoconductive drums 16 and 26 is synchronized with the travel of the intermediate transfer belt 10, and the peripheral speed is determined so as to exactly match the travel speed of the intermediate transfer belt 10. Instead of the chargers 17 and 27, a charging means using a corona discharger or a roller can be employed.

  Each developing device uses a two-component developer. The A color developer 19 contains magenta toner and carrier, the C color developer 20 contains cyan toner and carrier, the B color developer 29 contains yellow toner and carrier, and the D color developer 30 contains black toner and carrier. The electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 16 and 26 formed by a known method using the charger 17 and the writing unit 18 are developed by the developing rollers 32, 33, 34, and 35. Each of these developing rollers 32, 33, 34, and 35 is a developing means, and employs a magnetic brush developing system using a type in which a nonmagnetic sleeve is rotated around a fixed magnet.

  Each of the four developing devices 19, 20, 29, and 30 has a similar configuration including a paddle that is a developer agitator, a conveying screw that is a toner replenisher, and the like, for example, disclosed in JP-A-8-160697. Other known color developing devices can be employed.

The conveying screws 4M, 4C, 4Y, and 4B have a configuration in which blades are spirally wound. The paddles 2M, 2C, 2Y, and 2B have spiral blades 1c and eight radial plates in order to have a developer stirring function and a transport function. The paddle 2M and the conveying screw 4M respectively convey the developer in the opposite axial directions by rotation, and distribute the developer evenly in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 32. A first transfer brush 41 and a second transfer brush 42 to which a transfer bias voltage is applied are respectively attached to and separated from each of the photosensitive drums 16 and 26 so as to be able to contact and separate from each other with the intermediate transfer belt 10 therebetween. The roller 13 is provided with a transfer roller 11 to which a bias voltage for transfer is applied, through the intermediate transfer belt 10 so as to be able to contact and separate. In place of the transfer brushes 41 and 42, a transfer roller or a corona discharger can be used.

  The photosensitive drums 16 and 26 are flat and slightly separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10 downward, and the first transfer brush 41 and the second transfer brush 42 are slightly separated upward from the intermediate transfer belt 10. In the step of transferring the toner images on the photosensitive drums 16 and 26 to the intermediate transfer belt 10, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is moved to the photosensitive drum 16 by the first transfer brush 41 and / or the second transfer brush 42. And / or 26.

  The driven roller 13 and the transfer roller 11 constitute a color image transfer portion 45. Instead of the transfer roller 11, a transfer means using a corona discharger or a transfer brush can be employed. The driving roller 12 is provided with a cleaning device 61 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 so as to be able to contact and separate. The cleaning device 61 is controlled to be contacted / separated by contact / separation driving means 104 of an intermediate transfer member cleaning device (not shown).

  Below the first and second image stations 14 and 24, a sheet feeding device (not shown) for feeding the stacked transfer sheets P one by one to the right in FIGS. The single transfer sheet P sent out from the paper feeding device is fed to the transfer unit 45 by a feed roller pair 43 and a pair of registration rollers 44. A fixing device 50 including a heating roller 47 that is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow b and a pressure roller 48 that rotates in pressure contact with the heating roller 47 is disposed obliquely above the transfer unit 45. A roller 51 for applying an anti-offset liquid contacts the surface of the heating roller 47 as necessary, and a transfer paper peeling claw 52 is in contact therewith.

  On the downstream side of the fixing device 50, a pair of paper discharge rollers 54 for sending the transfer paper sent from the fixing device 50 onto the paper discharge tray 53 is disposed. An exhaust heat exhaust fan 55 is provided in the upper left portion of FIG. 21 to prevent the electrical components housed below the paper discharge tray 53 from being heated by the influence of the heat of the fixing device 50. .

  The photosensitive drum 16 in the first image station 14 and the photosensitive drum 26 in the second image station 24 are identical in shape, size, material, and the like. The photosensitive drum 16 and the photosensitive drum 26 need to be driven at the same linear velocity. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12, a gear 72 made of a worm gear coaxially and integrally with the photosensitive drum 16 and a gear 72 ′ made of the same worm gear coaxially and integrally with the photosensitive drum 26 are provided. The gear 72 is engaged with the worm 16W and the gear 72 ′ is engaged with the worm 26W provided on the worm shaft 250 common to the worm 16W, and the worm shaft 250 is driven by the motor M2 via the belt 36. Yes. With this configuration, the linear velocity of the photosensitive drums 16 and 26 can be matched with the linear velocity of the intermediate transfer belt 10 by controlling the rotational speed of the motor M2.

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 22 shows the outline of the entire image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 21 as a specific configuration example. Therefore, the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 22 will be described in comparison with the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The first difference is that the configuration around the transfer brush is specifically shown in the image forming apparatus of FIG.
The first transfer brush 41 in FIG. 21 is fixed to a rocking body 37 in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The oscillating body 37 is oscillated with a shaft 38 supported by the immovable member as a fulcrum, and the first transfer brush 41 is located on the free end side of the oscillating body 37. A transfer roller 39 is provided on the free end side of the rocking body 37. The first transfer brush 41 may be kept in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10 at all times. However, in this example, in order to avoid wear, the transfer for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 16 to the intermediate transfer belt 10 is performed. Since the swing angle of the swinging body 37 is controlled so as to contact the intermediate transfer belt 10 only in the process, the first transfer brush 41 and the transfer roller 39 are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10 except for the transfer process. ing.

The configuration around the second transfer brush 42 is exactly the same as the configuration around the first transfer belt, and is configured with the oscillating body 37 ′, the shaft 38 ′, the transfer roller 39 ′, etc., and the description thereof will be omitted. The first transfer brush 41 and the second transfer brush 42 have different contact timings with respect to the intermediate transfer belt 10. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the transfer brush 41 and the transfer roller 39 for the first transfer are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10, and a state in which the second transfer brush 42 and the transfer roller 39 ′ are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10. ing. As described above, the second transfer brush 42 and the transfer roller 39 ′ are in contact with the photosensitive drum 26 via the intermediate transfer belt 10 with an interval therebetween, so that the intermediate transfer belt 10 is moved to the photosensitive member with a predetermined nip width. The drum can be brought into contact with the drum 26, and the transfer performance can be improved. First transfer brush 41 and transfer roller 3
9 is also in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10 in the transfer process. Here, the transfer rollers 39, 39 ′, the first transfer brush 41, the second transfer brush 42, etc., including these auxiliary members, have the width of the intermediate transfer belt 10 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Of course, it has the combined predetermined depth.

  The second difference is that FIG. 22 shows a specific configuration around the cleaning device 61. The cleaning device 61 includes a blade 61a that can be brought into contact with and separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10, a rocking body 61c that supports the blade 61a, a shaft 61d that supports the rocking body 61c, and the blade 61a. An elastic means 61b made of an extensible spring that urges the swinging body 61c in a direction to be pressed against, a guide 61i for guiding the toner or paper dust scraped by the blade 61a downward, and a lower portion of the guide 61i. A rotating body 61g having a swirl shape, a leaf spring 61e provided to contact the rotating body 61g with a free end side, a storage box 61f provided on the opposite side of the rotating body 61g with the leaf spring 61e interposed therebetween, and the like. .

  Here, the rotating body 61g is driven to rotate about its central axis 61h. Further, the base end side of the leaf spring 61 e is supported by the frame 92. Further, the shaft 61d is connected to a driving means (not shown). By controlling this driving means, the swinging body 61c is rotated against the urging force of the elastic means 61b so that the blade 61a is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10. The state can be maintained by moving the blade 61 or the blade 61 can be brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the urging force of the elastic means 61b as shown in FIG. ing.

Since the blade 61 should not disturb the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 10, it is usually separated from the intermediate transfer belt 10, and adheres to the intermediate transfer belt 10 that has been transferred to the transfer paper P by the transfer roller 11. Only when a predetermined timing at which the residual toner, paper dust, etc., to be scraped off is to be scraped off, is scraped by contacting the intermediate transfer belt 10. The mixed waste agent such as scraped paper powder and waste toner is sent to the rotating body 61g by its own weight along the guide 61i. The rotating body 61g intermittently bends the leaf spring 61e according to the rotation, and sends out the mixed waste agent to a storage box 61f as a waste toner storage portion. Here, the blade 61a, the guide 61i, the rotating body 61g, the housing box 61f, etc., including these auxiliary members, have a predetermined depth according to the width of the intermediate transfer belt 10 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Of course. When a predetermined amount, for example, a full toner is collected in the storage box 61f, the intermediate transfer unit 100 configured integrally with the storage box 61f is replaced.

  The third difference is that the feed roller pair 43 shown in FIG. 21 is not provided in FIG. 22, and the paper feed roller 91 is shown at the top of the stacked transfer paper P. It is. The paper feed roller 91 is pivotally supported by a stationary member, is connected to a drive system, and is rotated when paper is fed. The loaded transfer papers P are aligned by a guide (not shown) and stacked on a bottom plate (not shown), and the bottom plate is raised by the amount reduced by being fed by the paper feed roller 91 in order from the top paper. The uppermost transfer sheet is always controlled by a known means so as to come into contact with the sheet feeding cover 91 with an appropriate pressure contact force. The feed roller pair 43 is not provided in the configuration shown in FIG. 22, but can be provided as necessary.

  The fourth difference is that the configuration of the cleaning units 21 and 31 is specifically shown in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The structures of the cleaning means 21 and 31 are as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 15, and the like. Here, for example, the cleaning means 21 faces the photosensitive drum 16. The residual toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 21a having a length in the width direction is an axis in which the cross-sectional shape having a length in the width direction substantially the same as the cleaning blade 21a is U-shaped. It is collected in the support portion 64-1 and sent to a box-shaped take-out portion 74 (see FIG. 1) provided at the end in the width direction of the photoconductor unit 140 by the rotation of the auger 70 to be collected. The cleaning unit 31 has the same configuration as this.

  The fifth difference is that in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 22, each component is partitioned or unitized by a required amount of a group of structural units. For example, the portion where the transfer paper P is loaded and accommodated is located at the lowermost portion inside the image forming apparatus and is partitioned by the partition plate 91 in the vertical direction. Above the partition plate 91, the first developing device 6, the second developing device 8, and the like are located. In these developing devices, there is a risk of falling on the transfer paper P loaded with toner due to the handling of the toner, but since the partition plate 91 covers the transfer paper P loaded, the dropped toner To avoid contamination by

In the space surrounded by the partition plate 91 and the intermediate transfer belt 10, the writing means 18, 28, the first developing device 6, the second developing device 8, the photoconductor units 140, 240, and the like are accommodated. . Among these, as described above, the writing unit 18 and the photosensitive unit 140 are detachably attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400 via the common assembly members 900 and 1100. Further, as will be described later, the first developing device 6 and the second developing device 8 are also unitized and detachably attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400 via the common assembly members 900 and 1100. The circles indicated by reference numerals 120M, 120C, 120Y, and 120B in the A color developing unit 19, the C color developing unit 20, the B color developing unit 29, and the D color developing unit 30, respectively, replenish toner in each developing unit. The toner is replenished into each developing device from these replenishment openings.

  The intermediate transfer belt 10 and its accompanying drive roller 12, driven roller 13, transfer roller 11, first transfer brush 41, second transfer brush 42, transfer rollers 39 and 39 ', cleaning device 61, etc. 92, a frame 93 that also serves as a guide for transfer paper, a guide 61i, a guide 94, and the like are housed in a flat box-shaped housing 98 that constitutes a frame, thereby constituting an intermediate transfer unit 100 (FIGS. 24 and 47). (See FIG. 49). The intermediate transfer unit 100 is supported by a guide (not shown) under the partition plate 95 and is detachable from the image forming apparatus. Above the driving roller 12, a belt mark sensor 101S is provided. The belt mark sensor 101S is a sensor for detecting a mark provided at an end of the intermediate transfer belt 100 in the width direction (the axial direction of the driving roller 12). Image formation is performed based on reading information of the sensor. Timings in the process are set. Further, the number of rotations of the intermediate transfer belt 100 is calculated. The belt mark sensor 101S is directly connected to the electrical board 96 or attached via a socket. An electrical system that drives and controls the image forming apparatus is mounted in the space 97 on the electrical board 96. The internal air containing heat generated in this electrical system is exhausted through the exhaust fan 55.

  The sixth difference is related to the description in FIG. 24 described later, but the outer case 104 is divided into a lower case 105 and an upper case 106, and a right side portion is provided in the lower case 105 from the near side to the far side. The cover 108 can be opened and closed with the shaft 105J as a fulcrum. The unit case is configured integrally with the upper case 106. The cover 108 is provided with a transfer roller 11, a sheet guide 99, one roller 44 a constituting a pair of registration rollers 44, and the like. In this configuration, when the cover 108 is opened, the transfer row 11, the roller 44a, the guide 99 and the like are also opened together with the cover 108, and the sheet conveyance path is opened. In this open state, the jammed paper can be removed, and the intermediate transfer unit 100 can be taken out from the housing 98 by opening the cover 108 as described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 22 is different from the overall outline of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 21 as described above.

  FIG. 23 shows an example in which the configuration of the cleaning units 21 and 31 is changed in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 15, 22, etc., an auger 70 is provided, and a gear 71, a gear 77, and the like are required to drive the auger 70. On the other hand, in the configuration shown in FIG. 23, only the collection box 103 having the same length in the width direction as that of the cleaning blade 21a is provided.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 23 does not require the auger 70, the gear 71, the gear 77, and the like as compared with the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 15, 22, and the like. The entire photosensitive unit including the photosensitive drum 16 and the like integrally formed with the recovery box 103 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, etc. when a predetermined amount, for example, a full toner is stored. Replace.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses having the configurations shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is housed in an exterior case 104 as shown in FIG. 24 as a whole as shown in FIG. The outer case 104 includes a lower case 105 that accommodates the first developing device 6, the second developing device 8, other members and the transfer paper P in a stacked state, an intermediate transfer unit 100, a fixing device 50, and a paper discharge roller. The upper case 106 includes a pair 54, an exhaust fan 55, electrical parts and other members, and a discharge tray 53.

  The upper case 106 is pivotally attached to the lower case 105 by a shaft 107 on the side where the first developing device 6 is disposed in the left-right direction in FIG. In order to be used for general maintenance of members housed in the upper case 106 and the lower case 105, member replacement, and the like, the upper case 106 is separated from the lower case 105 with respect to the shaft 107 after the cover 108 is opened. As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. In this example, the upper limit of the opening angle θ1 is set to 70 ° in consideration of the operability of the opening / closing operation.

[1] -f. Operation of Entire Image Forming Apparatus An image forming operation with the above-described configuration will be described by taking L = m + α as an example.
(1) An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the A color developing device 19 is formed on the photosensitive drum 16 of the first image station 14 by the charger 17 and the writing means 18, and this electrostatic latent image is A color developed. A magenta toner image (hereinafter referred to as “M image”) is obtained by being visualized by the container 19. This M image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the first transfer brush 41.

(2) On the other hand, as the M image approaches the second image forming station 24 as the intermediate transfer belt 10 travels in the direction of the arrow a ′, the B color is applied to the photosensitive drum 26 by the charger 27 and the writing unit 28. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the developing device 29 is formed, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the B color developing device 29 to obtain a yellow toner image (hereinafter referred to as a Y image). This Y image is superimposed and transferred by the second transfer brush 42 onto the M image obtained at the first image station 14 on the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(3) While the superimposed image of the M and Y images approaches the first image station 14 as the intermediate transfer belt 10 travels, the C color developing unit 20 is connected to the photosensitive drum 16 by the charger 17 and the writing unit 18. Is formed, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the C developing device 20 to obtain a cyan toner image (hereinafter referred to as C image). The C image is superimposed and transferred by the first transfer brush 41 to the M and Y images obtained by the second image forming unit 24 on the intermediate transfer belt 10.

(4) While the superimposed image of the M, Y, and C images approaches the second image station 24 as the intermediate transfer belt 10 travels, D color development is performed on the photosensitive drum 26 by the charger 27 and the writing unit 28. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the device 35 is formed, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by the D-color developing device 35 to obtain a black toner image (hereinafter referred to as BK image). This BK image is superimposed and transferred by the second transfer brush 42 onto the M, Y, and C images obtained at the first image station 14 on the intermediate transfer belt 10.

When a full-color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the second transfer brush 42, the transfer paper sent out from the paper feeding device is sent to the transfer unit 45 by the resist roller pair 44, where the transfer paper is full-colored. The image is transferred. The transferred full-color image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing device 50, and sent to the paper discharge tray 53 by the paper discharge roller 54. On the other hand, the residual toner is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 10 after the transfer of the color image by the cleaning device 61.
When obtaining a plurality of prints, when the superimposed image of the M and Y images is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 10 at the second image station 24, the M image is subsequently transferred to the intermediate transfer belt at the first image station 14. 10 and the steps (1) to (4) are repeated.

[2] Common assembly member (1)
[2] A. A common assembly member of a type to which a photosensitive unit is directly attached. The present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17 as an example in which the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 21 is configured as a specific apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 140 and 240 denote photoconductor units constituting the first image station 14 and the second image station 24 in FIG. 21, respectively, and the main body side plate using these photoconductor units 140 and 240 as immovable members. The state at the time of attaching to 300,400 is shown. These main body side plates 300 and 400 are plate-like members provided in parallel to each other with a space at which the photoconductor units 140 and 240 can be attached, and the upper portion is formed in an L shape in order to secure strength. It is bent. Hereinafter, including FIG. 1, the side on which the main body side plate 300 is located is referred to as the near side, and the side on which the main body side plate 400 is located is referred to as the back side.

  In FIGS. 1 and 4, a mounting portion 90 having a portion cut out in a U-shape is formed on the main body side plate 300 at a portion constituting the first image station 14. An attachment portion 110 having substantially the same shape as the attachment portion 90 is formed on the main body side plate 400 at a portion facing the attachment portion 90. Similarly, on the main body side plate 300, an attachment portion 130 having a portion cut out in a U-shape is formed at a portion constituting the second image station 24. An attachment part 150 having substantially the same shape as the attachment part 130 is formed on the main body side plate 400 at a portion facing the attachment part 130.

  For the first image station 14, the common assembly member 900 is attached to the attachment portion 90 from the front side of the main body side plate 300, and the common assembly member 1100 is attached to the attachment portion 110 from the back side of the main body side plate 400. For the second image station 24, the common assembly member 1300 is attached to the attachment portion 130 from the front side of the main body side plate 300, and the common assembly member 1100 'is attached to the attachment portion 150 from the rear side of the main body side plate 400.

As a result, the common assembly member 900 and the common assembly member 1100 are arranged in a positional relationship facing each other in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 16 incorporated in the photosensitive unit 140. The same applies to the positional relationship between the common assembly member 1300 and the common assembly member 1100 ′.
Here, the common assembly members 900 and 1100 are formed with shaft support portions 910 and 1110 for supporting shaft portions (shaft portions 62 and 63 in FIG. 3) that support the photosensitive drum 16, respectively. Similarly, the common assembly members 1300 and 1100 ′ are formed with shaft support portions 1310 and 1110 ′ for supporting shaft portions (corresponding to the shaft portions 62 and 63 in FIG. 3) that support the photosensitive drum 26, respectively. Yes.

  Further, the lower parts of the common assembly members 900 and 1100 are bent in an L-shape, and the writing means 18, specifically, the writing means base 18f is attached by using these bent portions. Writing means support portions 920 and 1120 are respectively configured. Similarly, the lower parts of the common assembling members 1300 and 1100 ′ are bent in an L shape, and writing means supporting portions 1320 and 1120 ′ for attaching the writing means 28 by using these bent portions are provided. Each is composed.

  Here, the common assembly member 1100 provided on the back-side main body side plate 400 in the first image station 14 and the common assembly member 1100 ′ provided on the back-side main body side plate 400 in the second image station 24 are described. 4, the positions of the drive member support portions 1140 and 1540 for supporting the worm shaft 250 support the outer sides of the worms 16W and 26W of the worm shaft 250 (each shaft end side of the worm shaft 250). In order to do so, the other configurations are exactly the same except that the formation positions are different. Therefore, for each component member of the common assembly member 1100 ′ that is common to each component member of the common assembly member 1100 in FIG. 8, a dash “′” is added to the reference numeral assigned to each component member of the common assembly member 1100. A reference numeral is attached and the description is omitted.

These writing means support portions 920, 1120, 1320, and 1120 ′ are defined in relation to the shaft support portions 910, 1110, 1310, and 1110 ′, respectively.
Further, in the first image station 14, an image carrier (photosensitive drum 16) is disposed on the common assembly member 1100 on the back side of the common assembly member 900 and the common assembly member 1100 that are arranged to face each other. A drive member support portion 1140 having a support hole 1140a for supporting a drive member (worm shaft 250) for applying a rotational drive force to the shaft is formed. Similarly, in the second image station 24, the common assembly member 1300 and the common assembly member 1100 ′ arranged to face each other are provided with a drive member that applies a rotational driving force to the image carrier (equivalent to the photosensitive drum 26). A drive member support portion 1540 having a support hole 1540a for supporting the (worm shaft 250) is formed.

  As described above, the first image station 14 is exposed to the shaft support portion 910 of the common assembly member 900 attached to the main body side plate 300 and the shaft support portion 1110 of the common assembly member 1100 attached to the main body side plate 400. The body unit 140 is attached, and the writing means 18 is attached to the writing means support portion 920 of the common assembly member 900 and the writing means support portion 1120 of the common assembly member 1100.

  Similarly, for the second image station 24, the shaft support portion 1310 of the common assembly member 1300 attached to the main body side plate 300 and the shaft support portion 1110 ′ of the common assembly member 1100 ′ attached to the main body side plate 400 are exposed. The body units 240 are respectively attached, and the writing means 28 is attached to the writing means support portion 1320 of the common assembly member 1300 and the writing means support portion 1120 ′ of the common assembly member 1100 ′. Further, a worm shaft 250 is attached to the drive member support portion 1140 of the common assembly member 1100 and the drive member support portion 1540 of the common assembly member 1100 ′.

In this example, the common assembly members 900, 1100, 1300, 1100 ′ and the like are directly attached to the main body side plates 300, 400. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, attached to the main body side plates 300, 400. Using another immovable member (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate member), a common assembly member 900, 1100, 1300, 1100 ′, etc. is attached to this intermediate member, and this intermediate member is then assembled to the main body side plates 300, 400. It is also possible.
The photoconductor is included in an image carrier which is a superordinate concept. The contents of this example, which is described using the photoconductor as an example, can be applied as it is to an image forming apparatus of a type that uses a latent image forming medium other than the photoconductor as an image carrier.

[2] Aa. Photoreceptor unit Photoreceptor units 140 and 240, which are main members attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400, are configured in the same manner in the photoreceptor unit 140 and the photoreceptor unit 240. ing. Therefore, the configuration of the photoconductor unit 140 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the description of the photoconductor unit 240 will be omitted, and the configuration of the photoconductor unit 140 will be used if necessary. A dash “′” is attached to the member code.

  In addition, the configuration around the main body side plates 300 and 400 as the immovable members to which the photosensitive units 140 and 240 and the like are attached is also an attachment portion of the common assembly member formed on the side constituting the first image station 14. And the second image station 24 side, the first image station 14 side will be described in detail, and if necessary, the second image station side will be described in detail. The reference numerals indicating the constituent parts are denoted by a dash “′”, and the detailed description of the structure is omitted.

  2 and 3, from the front side surface of the photosensitive drum 140, the photosensitive drum 140 is positioned on the front side integrally with the drum on the axis of rotation of the photosensitive drum (the direction passing through the sheet of rotation center O in FIG. 15). The shaft part 62 protrudes. A large diameter portion 62a, a small diameter portion 62b, and a stop groove portion 62c are formed in this shaft portion 62 toward the front side. Similarly, a shaft portion 63 protrudes from the side end surface on the back side of the drum. A large-diameter portion 63a, a small-diameter portion 63b, and a tapered portion 63c are formed in this shaft portion 63 toward the back side.

  The photoconductor case 64 that supports the photoconductor unit 140 is generally U-shaped in general, and includes a front shaft support portion 64-1, a back shaft support portion 64-2, and the like. It consists of the bridge | crosslinking part 64-3 which has connected the axial support part. The shaft support portion 64-1 and the shaft support portion 64-2 have at least plate-like portions facing each other with a space that can accommodate the photoconductor drum 16, and the plate-like portions include the photoconductor drums. Keyhole-shaped openings 64-1a and 64-1b for supporting the bearings supporting 16 are formed, respectively.

  The openings that form the keyhole-shaped openings 64-1a and 64-1b are parallel to each other, which are narrower than the diameter of the circular hole and the diameter of the hole, and open to communicate with the holes outward. It consists of a groove. These parallel groove portions are sized to allow the large diameter portion 62a of the shaft portion 62 and the large diameter portion 63a of the shaft portion 63 to pass through, respectively, and the diameter of the hole portion is the small diameter portion 65a of the bearing 65, Each of the small diameter portions 66a of the bearing 66 is formed in a size capable of being press-fitted and fixed.

  As a procedure for attaching the photosensitive drum 16 to the photosensitive member case 64, the shaft portions 62 and 63 are held while being positioned at the center of the hole portion through the grooves of the openings 64-1a and 64-1b. The bearing 65 is inserted into the large diameter portion 62a of the shaft portion 62, and the small diameter portion 65a of the bearing 65 is press-fitted into the hole portion of the opening 64-1a. Similarly, the bearing 66 is inserted through the large diameter portion 63a of the shaft portion 63, and the small diameter portion 66a of the bearing 66 is press-fitted into the hole portion of the opening 64-1b. As a result, the photosensitive drum 16 is rotatably supported by the photosensitive case 64. Thereafter, on the front side, the bearing 67 having the flange portion 67a is rotatably fitted to the small diameter portion 62b, and the stop member 69 is attached to the stop groove portion 62c to prevent it from coming off.

  For the rear side, a gear 71 for driving an auger 70 described later is fitted and fixed to the large diameter portion 63a, and a bearing 68 having a flange portion 68a from the outside is rotatably fitted to the small diameter portion 63b to be freely rotated. The position of 71 is held, and the gear 72 is fitted to the tapered portion 63c. Then, a set screw 73 is screwed into the screw hole formed in the shaft end portion of the tapered portion 63c, and the gear 72 is pressed against the tapered surface. In this state, the shaft portion 63 is fixed. By fixing the gear 72 using the taper portion in this way, the gear 72 is fixed in a state where it is exactly aligned with the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16.

  An attachment surface for attaching the cleaning blade 21a constituting the cleaning means indicated by reference numeral 21 in FIG. 21 is formed on the bridging portion 64-3, and the cleaning blade 21a is provided on this attachment surface. Further, a mounting base 17a for attaching a brush-like charger 17 composed of a charging brush indicated by reference numeral 17 in FIG. 21 is formed, and the charger 17 is fixed to the mounting base 17a.

  Furthermore, an opening for mounting an auger 70 made of a screw conveyor is formed from the shaft support portion 64-2 to the bridging portion 64-3 and the shaft support portion 64-1. In the shaft support portion 64-1, this opening extends to the inside of the waste toner taking-out portion 74 protruding toward the front side, and is a circular hole portion along the outer diameter of the auger 70. In FIG. 3, the lower side in FIG. 3 is open to the outside with a rectangular communication path. A shaft hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the auger 70 is formed in the shaft support portion 64-2. The upper part of the bridging portion 64-3 in FIG. 3 is in an open state communicating with the outside so as not to prevent the transfer residual toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 21a from being attached, and the cover 80 is attached (FIG. 2). FIG. 15).

  The auger 70 is inserted into the photosensitive member case 64 from the shaft hole 75 side as guided by the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. 3, and the tip is held in the hole in the take-out portion 74. In this state, the bearing 76 is inserted into the shaft portion 70a on the other end side of the auger 70, and the outer diameter portion 76b of the bearing is press-fitted into the shaft hole 75 until the flange portion 76a hits. Further, a driving gear 77 is fitted and fixed to the shaft portion 70 a, and is prevented from coming off by a stopper member 78. In addition, between the gear 71 and the gear 77, the idle gear 79 is pivotally supported by the axis | shaft (illustration omitted) provided in the axis | shaft support part 64-2.

  Accordingly, when a driving force is applied to the gear 72, the photosensitive drum 16 rotates, and the auger 70 rotates so as to send waste toner toward the take-out portion 74 side. The waste toner sent by the auger 70 falls down from the communication path formed in the take-out portion 74. The falling toner is sent out to a waste toner storage unit (not shown) via ducts 81 and 81 ′ (see FIG. 1) connected to the extraction unit 74.

  The photoreceptor unit 140 configured as described above includes the photoreceptor 65 for each of the large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65, the large diameter portion 66b of the bearing 66, the outer diameter portion 67b of the bearing 67, and the outer diameter portion 68b of the bearing 68. The unit 140 is configured so that there is no obstacle in the direction perpendicular to the axis in order to function as a part when the unit 140 is attached to another member.

  If necessary, each member around the photosensitive drum 16 is removed by a procedure reverse to the above assembly procedure, and finally, the bearings 65 and 66 are removed from the shaft support portions 64-1 and 64-2. The photosensitive drum 16 can be attached to and detached from the photosensitive case 64.

[2] Ab. Attaching the common assembly member to the main body side plate (front side) (Figs. 5-7)
The common assembly member 900 on the near side will be described with reference to FIG. As already described, the common assembly member 900 has the shaft support portion 910 and the writing means support portion 920. In addition, the positioning long hole 911, the positioning step 912, the mounting hole 913a, 913b and 913c. In addition, inclined surfaces 914 and 915 are formed on the upper portion of the shaft support portion 910 so that the bearing 67 can be easily guided. The shaft support portion 910 has a U-shaped groove shape. The lower portion of the U-shaped groove is a semicircular shape having the same diameter as the outer diameter portion 67b of the bearing 67, and the upper portion has the same diameter as the outer diameter portion 67b and is external. It is open to. The step portion 912 is formed as a step portion having a U-shaped outline that is slightly larger than the shaft support portion 910.

The elongated hole 911 determines a position in the rotational direction centering on the axis of a semicircular shaped portion formed in the lower part of the shaft support portion 910 (this axis coincides with the axis of the photosensitive drum 16). For this purpose, it is formed as a long hole extending in the direction toward the axis, and has a diameter that fits a positioning pin 318 described later.
The main body side plate 300 on the near side will be described with reference to FIG. The portion of the main body side plate 300 that should constitute the first image station 14 is extracted in a rectangular shape as indicated by reference numeral 310 with respect to the portion bent in an L shape, and the vertical portion is also indicated by the reference numeral. As indicated by 312 and 313, U-shaped grooves 316 that are notched in a step shape and fit into the step portion 912 described with reference to FIG. 5 are formed.

A positioning pin 318 is formed on the vertical wall portion of the main body side plate 300 so as to protrude to the near side. At a position obliquely below the positioning pin 318, a hole 320 that allows the writing means support 920 to penetrate from the near side to the far side and a hole 322 that allows passage of the duct 81 are formed in communication. Around the U-shaped groove 316, mounting holes 324a, 324b, 324c for mounting the common assembly member 900 are formed. Inclined surfaces 314 and 315 are formed at the boundary between the upper portion of the U-shaped groove 316 and the portions 312 and 313 notched in steps.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the common assembly member 900 causes the stepped portion 912 to fit into the U-shaped groove 316 and the long hole 911 to engage with the positioning pin 318 with respect to the main body side plate 300. The shaft center position of the shaft support portion 910 is determined by the fitting of the step portion 912 and the U-shaped groove 316, and the shaft center of the writing means support portion 920 is centered by the engagement of the positioning pin 318 and the elongated hole 911. The position on the rotation direction is determined.

  In this state, the attachment holes 913a, 913b, and 913c and the attachment holes 324a, 324b, and 324c are matched, and the common assembly member is fixed to the main body side plate 300 using these attachment holes. In this state, the writing means supporting portion 920 is inserted through the hole 320 and protrudes toward the back side of the main body side plate 300. Further, the inclined surfaces 914 and 915 and the inclined surfaces 314 and 315 are continuous surfaces without a step.

[2] Ac. Attachment of common assembly member to main body side plate (back side) (FIGS. 8 to 11)
The common assembly member 1100 on the back side will be described with reference to FIG. As already described, the common assembly member 1100 has the shaft support portion 1110 and the writing means support portion 1120. In addition, the positioning long hole 1111, the positioning step portion 1112, the mounting hole 1113a, 1113b and 1113c. In addition, inclined surfaces 1114 and 1115 are formed on the upper portion of the shaft support portion 1110 so that the bearing 68 can be easily guided. The shaft support portion 1110 has a U-shaped groove shape. The lower portion of the U-shaped groove is a semicircular shape having the same diameter as the outer diameter portion 68b of the bearing 68, and the upper portion has the same diameter as the outer diameter portion 68b and is external. It is open to.

  The step portion 1112 is formed as a step portion having a U-shaped outline that is slightly larger than the shaft support portion 1110. The elongated hole 1111 determines the position in the rotational direction centering on the axis of a semicircular shaped portion formed in the lower part of the shaft support portion 1110 (this axis matches the axis of the photosensitive drum 16). For this purpose, it is formed as a long hole extending in the direction toward the axial center, and has a diameter to be fitted to a positioning pin 418 described later. In addition, a drive member support portion 1140 in which a bearing hole is formed is provided on the inner surface of the common assembly member 1100.

  The main body side plate 400 on the back side will be described with reference to FIG. The portion of the main body side plate 400 that should constitute the first image station 14 is extracted in a rectangular shape as indicated by reference numeral 410 with respect to the portion bent in an L shape, and the vertical portion is also indicated by the reference numeral. As indicated by 412 and 413, U-shaped grooves 416 that are notched in a step shape and fit into the stepped portion 1112 described with reference to FIG. 8 are formed.

  A positioning pin 418 is formed on the vertical wall portion of the main body side plate 400 so as to protrude rearward. At a position obliquely below the positioning pin 418, a hole 420 through which the writing means support portion 1120 penetrates from the back side to the near side is formed. Around the U-shaped groove 416, attachment holes 424a, 424b, and 424c for attaching the common assembly member 1100 are formed. Inclined surfaces 414 and 415 are formed at the boundary between the upper portion of the U-shaped groove 416 and the portions 412 and 413 notched in steps.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the common assembly member 1100 is attached to the main body side plate 400 by fitting the stepped portion 1112 to the U-shaped groove 416. At this time, although not shown in FIG. 11, the elongated hole 1111 is engaged with the positioning pin 418. The center of the U-shaped portion of the shaft support portion 1110, that is, the axial center position is determined by fitting the stepped portion 1112 and the U-shaped groove 416, and the writing means support portion 1120 is engaged by the engagement between the positioning pin 418 and the elongated hole 1111. The position in the rotation direction around the axis is determined.

  In this state, the attachment holes 1113a, 1113b, and 1113c and the attachment holes 424a, 424b, and 424c are matched, so that the common assembly member 1100 is fixed to the main body side plate 400 using these attachment holes. In this state, the writing means support portion 1120 is inserted through the hole 420 and protrudes toward the front side of the main body side plate 400. Further, the inclined surfaces 1114 and 1115 and the inclined surfaces 414 and 415 are continuous surfaces without a step.

[2] Ad. Attaching the Worm Shaft to the Common Assembly Member In this way, the worm shaft 250 is attached to the common assembly members 1100, 1100 ′ attached to the back main body side plate 400 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the worm shaft 250 is inserted in the order of the support hole 1540a of the drive member support portion 1540 and the support hole 1140a of the drive member support portion 1140 with the worm 16W side first. The front end side of the worm shaft 250 is axially supported by the drive member support portion 1140 through a bearing 253 at the tip end side of the worm 16W, and a pulley 254 is attached to the taper portion 257 and fixed using a nut 256. The The rear end side of the worm shaft 250 is pivotally supported by the drive member support portion 1540 via the bearing 252 at a portion closer to the shaft end than the worm 26 </ b> W, and the end portion is prevented by the stop member 255.
Thus, in the state supported by each drive member support portion 1140 and drive member support portion 1540, the worms 16W and 26W are positioned directly below the axis of the shaft support portions 1110 and 1110 ′.

[2] A-e. As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 11, in the first station 14, the shaft support portion of the common assembly member 900 attached to the main body side plate 300 is attached. The photoreceptor unit 140 is attached so that the outer diameter portion 67b of the bearing 67 and the outer diameter portion 68b of the bearing 68 engage with the shaft support portion 1110 of the common assembly member 1100 attached to the main body side plate 400, respectively. The rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 16 is attached so as to coincide with the axial positions of the shaft support portions 910 and 1110.

  In this state, the entire photosensitive unit 140 itself can freely rotate around the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16, but the position in the rotational direction is the same as that of the first developing device 6 by means not shown. Positioned by engaging. Further, since the upper portions of the shaft support portions 910 and 1110 are open, wedge-shaped members (not shown) are provided between the outer diameter portion 67b and the main body side plate 300 and between the outer diameter portion 68b and the main body side plate 400, respectively. This prevents the bearings 67 and 68 from floating.

  These wedge-shaped members can be easily removed, and the shaft support portions 910, 1110, 1310, 1110 ′ are opened in a U-shape, so that the photosensitive unit 140, 240 is connected to each common assembly member 900, It can be easily detached from 1100, 1300, 1100 ′. Further, by disassembling the bearings 65 and 66 from the photoconductor case 64, the photoconductor drum 16 can be easily disassembled from the photoconductor unit 140 using the openings 54-1a and 64-1b.

Also in the second image station 24, the photoconductor unit 240 is attached to the common assembly members 1300 and 1100 ′ in accordance with the example in the first image station.
Thus, when the photoconductor unit 140 is attached to the common assembly members 900 and 1100, the gear 72 is engaged with the worm 16W. Similarly, when the photosensitive unit 240 is attached to the common assembly members 1300 and 1100 ′, the gear 72 ′ is engaged with the worm 26W.

  In order to rotate the photosensitive drum 16 and the photosensitive drum 26 in the two image stations in synchronization with each other accurately, it is advantageous to use such a rotary drive member by a worm shaft, and a drive system using a worm. Then, since the worm and the gear meshing with it require a high degree of positional accuracy, as in this example, in the first image station 14, the shaft support portion 1110 and the drive member are mounted on the common assembly member 1100. The support portion 1140 is configured with a predetermined relational position accuracy. Similarly, in the second image station 24, the shaft support portion 1110 'and the drive member support portion 1540 are configured on the common assembly member 1100' with a predetermined relative position accuracy.

[2] Af. As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 11, in the first image station 14, the writing means support 920 that protrudes from the main body side plate 300 to the back side and the main body side plate 400 The writing means 18 is detachably attached to the writing means support portion 1120 protruding to the front side. The writing means 18 may be attached as follows: (a) a case attached via an interval adjusting means for adjusting the interval between the writing means 18 and the photosensitive drum 16;
(B) Instead of the interval adjusting means, the main scanning direction adjusting means for adjusting the position of the writing means 18 with respect to the photosensitive drum 16 in the main scanning direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum), or the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16 A case in which line adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the writing line on the photosensitive member 16 by the writing means 18 with respect to (rotation center line);
(C) Writing to the interval adjusting means, the main scanning direction adjusting means for adjusting the position of the writing means 18 with respect to the photosensitive drum 16 in the main scanning direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum), and the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16 There is a case having three means of line adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the writing line on the photosensitive member 16 by means 18.

In any case, the writing means 18 and 28 are attached by using the writing means support portions 920, 1120, 1320, and 1120 ′ provided on the common assembly members 900, 1100, 1300, and 1100 ′. Since the assembly members 900, 1100, 1300, and 1100 ′ are provided with shaft support portions 910, 1110, 1310, and 1110 ′, which are also reference positions of the photoreceptor units 140 and 240, the photosensitive drums 16 and 24 are written. It is possible to easily process and assemble the position relative to the means 18 and 28 accurately. Moreover, each writing means 18 and 28 is detachable with respect to the common assembly members 900, 1100, 1300, and 1100 ′, can be disassembled during maintenance, and parts can be easily replaced.
Case (a) In FIG. 13A, a large diameter portion 600a of a stepped screw 600 is inserted into a writing means support portion 920 through a long hole 920a that is long in the left-right direction in the drawing, and a small diameter portion 600b. Is fitted into the hole 18a of the base 18f of the writing means 18, and the screw portion 600c is screwed into the screw hole at the bottom of the hole 18a. Further, an extensible spring 601 is interposed between the upper surface of the base 18f of the writing means 18 and the lower surface of the writing means support portion 920 to urge the writing means 18 downward. The same configuration as the interval adjusting unit 700 configured in this way is also provided between the writing unit support 1120 and the writing unit 18 on the opposite side. In such a mounted state, the writing light emitted from the writing means is set so as to be directed toward the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 16.

  By rotating the screw 600, the position of the writing unit 18 can be adjusted with respect to the writing unit support 920. This means that the focus of the light emitted from the writing means 18 is adjusted at the same time. In addition, the elongated hole 920 absorbs the displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction) in FIG. 13A due to heat, as in the case where the optical writing means uses an LED or a semiconductor laser. It functions as an escape part.

  Such a heat displacement escape portion may be provided not on the writing means support portion 920 but on the base 18 f side of the writing means 18. In that case, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), a long hole 18b having a width dimension to be fitted to the small diameter portion 600b is formed in the base 18 to form a heat displacement escape portion, and a screw 600 is inserted into the long hole 18b. After the small diameter portion 600b is fitted, the screw portion 600c is tightened with the nut 18c, and the interval adjusting means 701 can be configured. In the adjustment, the nut 18c is advanced or rotated in the returning direction.

Case (b) When the position in the focal direction of the writing means 18 can be sufficiently achieved with the processing accuracy of the parts, the main scanning direction of the writing means 18 with respect to the photosensitive drum 16 (instead of the interval adjusting means as described above ( Main scanning direction adjusting means for adjusting the position in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, or line adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the writing line on the photosensitive member 16 by the writing means 18 with respect to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16. Provide. In this way, the configuration having both the main scanning direction adjustment function and the line adjustment function is simply referred to as adjustment means. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the front adjustment means is denoted by reference numeral 800 ′, and the rear adjustment means is denoted by reference numeral 800. Each is shown.

  In these drawings, for the adjusting means 800, the eccentric pin 620 includes a large diameter portion 620a, a small diameter portion 620b, and a screw portion 620c. The large diameter part 620a and the small diameter part 620b are eccentric. A long hole 18c is formed in the writing means 18 so as to have the same function as the escape portion of the long holes 18b and 920a described in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b). The width of the long hole 18c is formed so as to be fitted to the diameter of the large diameter portion 620a. Further, the writing means support portion 920 is formed with a hole 920a that fits into the small diameter portion 620b.

  The basic configuration of the rear adjustment unit 800 ′ is the same as that of the front adjustment unit 800 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, but the portion corresponding to the elongated hole 18c in these drawings is eccentric. The only difference is that the circular hole 18g that fits into the portion corresponding to the large diameter portion 620a of the pin 620 makes the writing means 18 adjustable in the main scanning direction. Since the configuration is exactly the same as that of the adjusting unit 800, a dash “′” is added to the reference numeral of the corresponding member, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When assembling, the upper surface of the base 18f of the writing means 18 is overlapped with the lower surface of the writing means supporting portion 920, and the extensible spring 632 is passed through the large diameter portion 620a of the eccentric pin 620, and the pin 634 is inserted into the hole of the large diameter portion 620. The large-diameter portion 620a is passed through the long hole 18c, the small-diameter portion 620b is fitted into the hole 920a, and the nut portion 631 is tightened to the screw portion 620c via the washer 630.

  When adjusting in the main scanning direction, the nuts 631 and 631 ′ are loosened and the pin 634 ′ is turned by hand with respect to the adjusting means 800 ′, so that the large diameter part 620′a becomes the writing means 18 with the small diameter part 620′b as an axis. Since the writing means 18 moves in the main scanning direction, the position in the main scanning direction can be adjusted. For the adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, the same scanning is performed on the adjustment unit 800 on the front side.

  As a result, the writing means 18 is swung with the fitting portion between the eccentric pin 620 ′ and the round hole 18g in the adjusting means 800 ′ on the back side as a fulcrum, and the writing line by the writing means 18 with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is changed. The tilt can be adjusted. In this way, both the main scanning direction adjustment and the line inclination adjustment can be performed, and further, not only the line inclination but also the rotation axis can be matched.

  The second image station 24 is also provided with adjustment means similar to the adjustment means 800 and 800 ′ described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 above, so that the first image station 14 and the second image station 24 are connected. In this case, it is possible to eliminate the misalignment of the writing line and the misalignment (color misalignment) of the image. When the adjusting means is provided for the first image station 14, the second image station 24 is fitted with the eccentric pin 620 'and the round hole 18g like the adjusting means 800' on the back side as in the above example. By adopting an electrical method of controlling the timing at which an image signal is put on the writing light without performing mechanical position adjustment in the main scanning direction of the writing means 18 by the combination, in the first image station You can also match the export position.

  An error in the inclination of the writing line with respect to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 16 appears as a change in the imaging diameter in the main scanning direction of the writing light on the photosensitive drum, but this change in the diameter is allowed. If the error is within the range to be obtained, there is no need for adjustment within the image station, but parallel adjustment of the writing lines between the image stations is necessary and can be adjusted by such an adjustment means.

For example, when the second image station 24 is not provided with the adjustment means (equivalent to the adjustment means 800 and 800 ′) and the adjustment means 800 and 800 ′ are provided only for the first image station 14, the second image station 24 24, that is, by the adjusting means 800, 800 ′ in the first image station 14 so as to be parallel to the writing line on the photosensitive drum 26 in the second image station 14. Make adjustments. On the contrary, the adjustment means 800 and 800 ′ are provided only on the second image station 24 side, and the writing means 18 is fixed to the writing means support portions 920 and 1120 on the first image station side. You may make it do.
When a writing means that does not generate heat enough to cause thermal displacement is employed, it is not necessary to form a relief portion as the thermal displacement absorbing means. In this example, the writing means 18 is a combination of an LED (not shown) and a converging light transmitter 18 arranged in a line in the main scanning direction, and a heat radiating fin 18e is provided at the bottom.

Case (c) In this case, this example has three means: an interval adjusting means, a main scanning direction adjusting means, and a line adjusting means. Hereinafter, an example of these means will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B showing the writing means support portion 920 on the near side. 16A and 16B also has a configuration in which a round hole is fitted to the large diameter portion 625a instead of the long hole 18c. Except for this point, the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B is employed. In this example, the writing means 18 is provided on an intermediate support member 1600 provided in a bridging manner between the writing means support section 920 on the near side and the writing means support section 1120 on the back side.

  Here, an interval adjusting means 702 according to the configuration shown in FIG. 13 is interposed between the writing means supporting portion 920 and the intermediate supporting member 1600, and between the intermediate supporting member 1600 and the writing means 18. Adjustment means 801 (having a function as a main scanning direction adjustment means and a function as a line adjustment means) according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is provided.

  The interval adjusting means 702 is configured to insert the large diameter portion 605a of the stepped screw 605 into the writing means support portion 920 and then fit the small diameter portion 605b to the large diameter portion of the stepped hole of the intermediate support member 1600, The threaded portion 605 c is screwed into the small diameter portion of the stepped hole, and an extensible spring 601 is provided between the writing means support portion 920 and the intermediate support member 1600. By rotating the stepped screw 605, the position of the intermediate support member 1600 can be displaced, the interval between the writing means 18 and the photosensitive drum 16 is adjusted, and a predetermined imaging diameter is set on the photosensitive drum. The dots can be imaged. The spring 601 ensures the adjustment operation.

  The adjusting means 801 has a large-diameter portion 625a, a small-diameter portion 625b, and a screw portion 625c, and the large-diameter portion 625a of the eccentric pin 625 in which the large-diameter portion 625a and the small-diameter portion 625b are eccentric is provided with the long hole 18c of the base 18f. The small diameter portion 625 b is fitted into the hole of the intermediate support member 1600, and the screw portion is fixed with the nut 636 through the washer 635. The large-diameter portion 625a is provided with an extensible spring 637 and is prevented from coming off by a pin 639. At the time of adjustment, the nut 636 is loosened, the pin 639 is grasped, and the eccentric pin 625 is turned.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the support mode of the writing means in the first image station 14 and the second image station 24. In FIG. 17, in the first station 14, the intermediate support member 1600, the writing unit support unit 920, and the writing unit support unit 1120 are all supported using the interval adjusting unit 702. Thereby, the interval between the writing means 18 and the photosensitive drum 16 can be adjusted.

  In the first station 14, between the writing means 18 and the intermediate support member 1600, the writing means 18 is swingably supported with respect to the intermediate support member 1600 by a pin 860 on the front side, and on the back side. The adjusting means 801-1 having the same configuration as the adjusting means 801 is supported through a long hole for absorbing thermal displacement. The eccentric amount of the eccentric pin used in the adjusting unit 801-1 is a relatively large eccentric amount of about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, and the writing unit 18 is swung around the pin 860, whereby the photosensitive drum 16 is moved. Adjustment is made so that the rotation axis is parallel to the line of the converging optical transmitter 18d.

  In the second station 24, the intermediate support member 1600 ′, the writing unit support unit 1320, and the writing unit support unit 1120 ′ are supported by using the interval adjusting unit 702 ′ having the same configuration as the interval adjusting unit 702. Yes. In addition, between the intermediate support member 1600 ′ and the writing means 28, the front side is in accordance with the configuration of the eccentric pin 620 ′ and the round hole 18g in the example of the adjusting means 800 ′. It is configured by fitting with holes. The rear side is the adjusting means 801′-1 having the same configuration as the adjusting means 801, and the front side is eccentric according to the fitting configuration of the eccentric pin 620 ′ and the round hole 18g in the example of the adjusting means 800 ′. The adjusting means 801′-2 has a configuration by fitting a pin and a round hole. Thus, the writing unit 28 can be adjusted in the main scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction, and the focal direction.

Here, the eccentric pin used for the adjusting unit 801′-1 is the same as the eccentric pin used for the adjusting unit 801-1, and has a large eccentric amount of about 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The parallelism with the writing line by the writing means 18 in the first image station 14 is adjusted by '-1.
On the other hand, the adjusting unit 801′-2 adjusts the writing position in the main scanning direction of the writing unit 18 in relation to the writing position in the main scanning direction by the writing unit 18 in the first image station. This adjustment amount does not have to be ½ or more of the distance between adjacent pixels (dot pitch). If there is no phase between the pitches, the adjustment amount can be adjusted at the timing of applying the image signal. Further, the eccentric amount of the eccentric pin may be small, and if the eccentric amount is increased, an inclination in the sub-scanning direction is generated. Therefore, the eccentric amount of the eccentric pin used in the adjusting device 801′-2 is 0. The amount of eccentricity is as small as about 05 mm.

  In this example, when the distance between the writing means 18 and 28 and the photosensitive drums 16 and 26 can be set to a predetermined precision with sufficient mechanical processing accuracy, the adjusting means 702 and 702 ′ and the intermediate support are provided. Since the members 1600 and 1600 ′ are not necessary, in this case, the writing means 18 and 28 are supported by the writing means support portions 920, 1120, 1320, and 1120 ′ without interposing the intermediate support members 1600 and 1600 ′.

[2] Ag. Other examples of image carrier and other examples of image station (A) In the above example, the writing means 18 is a light irradiating means. However, the image carrier is not a photosensitive drum but is latent by electrical or magnetic means. In the case of a drum-like medium capable of forming an image, a means can be provided to form such a latent image by applying such an electromagnetic change. In the above, the image carrier can be configured as an endless belt as well as a drum.

(B) In the above example, the case where there are two image stations has been described. However, even in the case where there is only one image station or in an image forming apparatus having two or more image stations, common assembly according to the above description is performed. It can be implemented using a member. In these cases, for all the image stations, a driving member supporting portion (driving member supporting portion 1140, for one of the common supporting members (for example, the one on the back side) that is opposed in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum). 1150 equivalent), and for all image stations, a drive member support (drive support) is provided on any of the common support members that are opposed to each other in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum. The parts 1140 and 1150 may be omitted. As described above, when the driving member support portion is not provided, the photosensitive drum is driven by an appropriate means.

(C) In the above (B), when there are two or more image stations, it is possible to combine the configuration of the image station having the drive member support portion with the configuration of the image station not having the drive member support portion.

(D) When there are two or more image stations, all the image stations, or all the image stations except any one image station, on the photosensitive drum by the writing means with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. An adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the writing line, and the adjusting means 800, 800′801, 801-1, 801-1 ′, and 801-2 ′ described above can be appropriately selected and provided. In this case, if provided on the opposite back side and the near side, the writing line can be made to coincide with the rotation axis as well as the inclination of the writing line with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum.

  However, the positional deviation of the photosensitive drum relative to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum may be adjusted for one image station that should be used as a reference when adjustment is not required due to machine processing accuracy or the like. If the adjustment to match the position of the writing line with respect to is performed using the adjusting means on the back side and the adjusting means on the near side, for the other image stations, the writing line in the reference image station and Since it is only necessary to adjust the inclination of the writing line so that the parallel line is parallel, it is sufficient to adjust only the adjusting means on the back side or the near side.

If it is going to come out to the rotation axis line of the photosensitive drum between each image station, another means is necessary. However, in practice, there is no problem with the accuracy of machining. Is not necessary.
Note that all the embodiments described above can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[2] Ah. In the example described so far, as described in FIG. 1, the photosensitive unit 140 is attached to the common assembly members 900 and 1100 attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400. Since the writing means 18 is attached to the writing means support portions 920 and 1120 provided in 900 and 1100, the positional relationship between the photosensitive unit 140 and the writing means 18 is determined via the common assembly members 900 and 1100. It was a thing. In the following description, the manner of attaching the photoreceptor unit 240 and the like to the common assembly members 1300 and 1100 ′ is the same as the manner of attachment of the photoreceptor unit 140 and the like to the common assembly members 920 and 1120. The description is omitted.

  In this example, since the photosensitive unit and the developing device can be assembled, the photosensitive unit is assembled through a common assembly member, and the developing device and the writing unit are assembled by assembling the developing device to the photosensitive unit. It enables high-precision positioning. For this reason, in this example, the first developing device 6 that visualizes the latent image on the photosensitive drum 16 as an image carrier, which is assembled and integrated in the unit case, is referred to as a developing unit. The developing unit is provided with a receiving portion holding means for detachably positioning and holding the outer diameter portion 67b of the bearing 67 as a receiving portion for supporting the photosensitive drum 16, and at the other end side of the developing unit. Are configured to be provided with hooked portions to be hooked on the main body side plates 300 and 400 as immovable members.

Specifically, the first developing device 6 shown in FIG. 21, FIG. 22 and the like is incorporated in the unit cases 6-1 and 6-2 as shown in FIG. 25 to constitute the developing unit 6-3 as a whole. is doing. Reference numerals 2C-J and 2M-J in FIG. 25 indicate shaft portions of the paddles 2C and 2M shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, respectively. Similarly, reference numerals 4C-J and 4M-J in FIG. The shaft part of the shown conveyance screw 4C and 4M is shown. The unit case 6-2 is provided with a unit case having the same size and shape, but the illustration is omitted. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the photosensitive unit 140 is assembled to the developing unit 6-3, and FIG. 26 shows a state in which the photosensitive unit 140 is removed from the developing unit 6-3.
25 and 26, the unit case 6-2 provided at the end in the left-right direction of the unit case 6-1 is formed with an open groove 6-2a opened obliquely upward in a substantially U shape. More specifically, the open groove 6-2a is formed in such a size that the bottom of the open groove 6-2a is fitted to the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65. In consideration of this, the groove width is open.

  Even if the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 of the photoconductor unit 140 is fitted into the bottom of the open groove 6-2a, the dimension between the shaft center of the photoconductor drum 16 and the shaft centers of the developing rollers 32 and 33 is determined. The positional relationship between the developing rollers 32 and 33, the cleaning blade 21a, the charger 17 and the like on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 16 is not determined. Therefore, in order to define these relationships, as shown in FIG. 26, the pin 64-1c is implanted in the shaft support portion 64-1, and the large portion of the bearing 65 is guided by the inclined portion of the open groove 6-2a. A concave portion 6-2a1 serving as a detent means is formed at a position where the diameter portion 65b is fitted to the pin 64-1c while being fitted to the bottom of the open groove 6-2a.

On the outer surface of the unit case 6-2, the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 fitted in the open groove 6-2a is pressed from the top toward the bottom of the open groove 6-2a to suppress the floating and open the groove. A lever 131 as a pressing means fixed and held in the 6-2a is pivotally attached to the unit case 6-2 by a shaft 132. Here, the relationship between the lever 131, the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65, and the open groove 6-2a will be described with reference to FIG. 27. The lever 131 has a half-moon-shaped recess 131a. The recess 131a is an engaged portion that is engaged with a large-diameter portion 65b as an engaging portion. The large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 is fitted in the open groove 6-2a, and the pin 64-1c is engaged with the concave portion 6-2a1 for positioning, and then the lever 131 is grasped by grasping the handle 131b. In 27, it is rotated from the open position indicated by the two-dot chain line to the fixed position indicated by the solid line. This
The recess 131a is engaged with the large diameter portion 65b.

At this time, the recess 131a covers at least the upper left half of the line nn connecting the center O1 of the shaft 132 and the center O2 of the large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65. More specifically, the lower corner portion of the recess 131a is positioned on the line nn, and the upper corner portion of the recess 131a is connected to the line nn by a small dimension as indicated by reference numeral Δ1. The bearing 65 is firmly held by elastically deforming to the part beyond the circumference. That is, when the lever 131 is tilted to the position of the solid line, the lever 131 is slightly elastically deformed, and the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 is firmly pressed in a click shape and fixed in the direction of the line nn to hold the state. . When releasing the bearing 65, the lever 131 is opened to the position of the two-dot chain line. As a result, the upper portion of the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 is opened, so that the photosensitive unit 140 can be grasped and pulled out in the direction of the open groove 6-2a.

  25 and 28, a pin 136 is provided on the other end side of the unit case 6-2 in a state where it is mounted on the main body side plates 300 and 400, on the side where the receiving portion holding means 134 is provided. It has been planted. This pin 136 is a to-be-latched part latched by the notch part 302 of the main body side plate 300 as a stationary member. Similarly, a pin 136 'is provided on the back side as shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 28, a procedure for attaching the composite unit in a state in which the photosensitive unit 140 is integrally combined with the developing unit 6-3 to the main body side plates 300 and 400 using the receiving unit holding unit 134 will be described. In this attachment, since the large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 of the photosensitive unit 140 protrudes to the near side of the unit case 6-2 on the front side, the large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 is connected to the common assembly member 900. The shaft support 910 is fitted. Similarly, the large-diameter portion 66b of the bearing 66 is fitted into the shaft support portion 1110 of the common assembly member 1100 on the back side. On the left side of the composite unit in the left-right direction, the pin 136 is hooked on the notch 302 and the pin 136 ′ is hooked on the notch 402 by its own weight. Thereby, the composite unit is attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400.

  In the configuration of the photoconductor unit 140 shown in FIG. 28, the cleaning unit 21 uses the collection box 103 having a width corresponding to the axial direction of the photoconductor drum 16 without using the auger 70 or the take-out portion 74. 23 has been described with reference to FIG. 23. A photosensitive unit having cleaning means of the type shown in FIG. 23 is combined with the developing unit 6-3 shown in FIGS. 25, 26, etc. to constitute a composite unit. The attachment to the common assembly members 900, 1100 of the main body side plates 300, 400 can be performed in exactly the same manner as in FIG.

  When FIG. 28 is compared with FIG. 29, the structure of the photoconductor unit 140 ′ shown in FIG. 29 does not have the auger 70, and therefore there is no gear 71, 77 or the like shown in FIG. Instead, a collection box 103 is provided. The other points are the same as those of the photosensitive unit 140 shown in FIG.

  Here, in each of the examples of FIGS. 28 and 29, the large-diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65 is fitted into the open groove 6-2a on the right side in the left-right direction with respect to the photoreceptor units 140, 140 ′. The pin 136 is hooked on the notch 302 on the left side of FIG.

  In order to stabilize the holding state of the outer diameter portion 67b fitted into the shaft support portion 910, the outer diameter portion 67b is suppressed from above. For example, a plate-like slide member that slides in the left-right direction is provided on the main body side plate 300, and the slide member is slid to hold the outer diameter portion 67b. The same applies to the main body side plate 400. Also, slide it to release it. This slide member can be configured according to a slide member described later in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the portion of the pin 136 on the left side in the left-right direction, the gear 72 in FIG. 12 is rotated by receiving the power from the worm 16W, and the photosensitive member rotates in the clockwise direction. The pin 136 receives a moment in the direction of lifting from the notch 302, but this moment is negligible compared to the weight of the composite unit, and there is no problem of lifting.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, on the outside of the developing unit 6-3, the gear 4C-JG is coaxial with the shaft 4C-J of the conveying screw 4C, and the gear 4M is coaxial with the shaft 4M-J of the conveying screw 4M. -JG is provided, and the drive gear 15G1 connected to the drive source is connected to the gear 4C-JG, and the drive gear 15G2 connected to the drive source is connected to the gear 4M-J from the retracted position when necessary. As shown in FIG. 30, the meshing state is achieved. Since the meshing position of the drive gear 15G1 and the gear 4C-JG is a diagonally lower left position and the rotation direction is determined as shown in the figure, the pin 136 is cut off at the meshing part of these gears. A moment in the direction of pressing against the notch 302 is received. Similarly, in the meshing relationship between the drive gear 15G2 and the gear 4M-JG, since the pin 136 receives a moment in a direction in which the pin 136 is pressed against the notch 302, the pin 136 does not float from the notch 302. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a means for pressing the slide member.

  Since the writing means 18 is attached to the common assembly members 900 and 1100, and the photosensitive unit 140 to which the developing unit 6-3 is attached is attached to the same common assembly members 900 and 1100, the common assembly member. As a medium, the relationship between the writing means 18, the developing unit 6-3, and the photosensitive unit 140 is determined.

  In addition, the photoconductor unit 140 and the developing unit 6-3 can be attached to and detached from the common assembly members 900 and 1100 mounted on the main body side plates 300 and 400 while the photoconductor unit 140 and the developing unit 6-3 are integrated, and the lever 131 is operated. By releasing the pressing of the large-diameter portion 65b, the photosensitive unit 140 alone can be attached to and detached from the common assembly members 900 and 1100 while leaving the developing unit 6-3 on the main body side plates 300 and 400 side. Is possible.

  Here, the case where the photosensitive unit 140 and the developing unit 6-3 are integrated with each other with respect to the common assembling members 900 and 1100 attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400 is described with reference to FIG. As described above, since the opening angle θ1 of the upper case 106 is set to approximately 70 °, there is a possibility of interference with the intermediate transfer unit 100 that is still attached to the upper case 106 when it is pulled straight up. The intermediate transfer belt 10 is exposed on the lower surface of the intermediate transfer unit 100.

  In order to avoid interference with the intermediate transfer belt 10, the inclination of the open groove 6-2a is set to be substantially the same as that of the upper case 106 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the attaching / detaching direction of the photosensitive drum 16 or the photosensitive unit 140 with respect to the developing unit 6-3 is restricted to a fixed direction that does not interfere with the intermediate transfer belt 10, and an accident of damaging the intermediate transfer belt 10 can be avoided. it can. When the open groove 6-2a is tilted in this way, the direction of the groove is set in the vertical direction as in the shaft support portions 910 "and 1110" of the common assembly members 900 "and 1110" shown in FIG. Instead, they are inclined at the same angle in the direction along the open groove 6-2a. Further, the writing means support portions 920 ", 1120" are set in accordance with these shaft support portions 910 ", 1110".

  In the case where the shaft support portion 910 is oriented in the vertical direction, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 27, one groove surface of the open groove 6-2a is attached to the common assembly member. In this case, the photosensitive unit 140 is pulled out in the vertical direction, so care must be taken not to interfere with the intermediate transfer belt 10.

  Further, when the photoconductor unit 140 is removed from the main body side plates 300 and 400, the toner is not stable when placed on a flat surface inadvertently, so that the whole is inclined and the toner is inclined from the bridging portion 64-3 or the collection box 103. There is a risk of spilling. In order to prevent this, as shown in FIG. 31, a seal cover 137 made of a thin synthetic resin plate is provided at the front end portion of the cover 80 so as to be in contact with the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16.

  It is fixedly provided on the opposed shaft support portions 64-1 and 64-2.

  In FIGS. 25 to 29, etc., the lever 131 is provided on the developing unit 6-3 side to form the pressing means. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. A lever 152 that rotates integrally with the bearing 65 of the photosensitive drum 16 is provided, a handle 152a is formed on the free end side of the lever 152, and a latching recess 152b is formed on the free end side facing the handle 152a. The developing unit 6-3 (in this case, it is not necessary to have the lever 131) may be provided with a shaft portion that engages with the concave portion 152b.

  Further, the photosensitive unit 140 having the lever 152 as shown in FIG. 32 is not widely used as a means for attaching the developing unit to the developing unit using the lever, but widely using the lever 152 to the main body portion of the image forming apparatus. It can also be used as an attachment. In this case, since the photosensitive unit 140 can be easily attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus, maintenance and replacement work of the photosensitive unit 140 are simplified. Further, instead of being configured as the photoconductor unit 140, a photoconductor drum alone may be configured such that a lever corresponding to the lever 152 is attached to the bearing portion. Replacement work is facilitated.

[3] Common assembly member (2)
[3] B. A common assembly member of the type to which the developing unit is directly attached. In the examples described in FIGS. 25 to 29, FIG. 30 and the like, the photosensitive unit 140 is commonly fixed to the developing unit 6-3 in a composite unit state. There is no problem when attaching to and detaching from the assembly members 900, 900 ″, 1100, 1100 ″ and the like. However, if only the photoconductor unit 140 is removed while the developing unit 6-3 is left on the common assembly members 900, 900 ", 1100, 1100", a problem may occur. This problem will be described.

  As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 34, the developing unit 6-3 and the photosensitive unit 140 are attached to the main body side plate and the common assembly member in an integrated state. In this state, the outer diameter portion 67b of the bearing 67 is fitted to the shaft support portion 910 of the common assembly member 900 on the right side in the left-right direction (the illustration is omitted in FIG. 34 because the drawing is complicated). ), The pin 136 is hung on the notch 302 on the left side in the left-right direction. Assume that only the photosensitive unit 140 is removed under this state. First, the lever 131 is operated to release the holding of the large diameter portion 65b of the bearing 65. At this time, the developing unit 6-3 tries to rotate by a moment due to its own weight with the pin 136 as a fulcrum, but the large diameter portion 65b cannot be rotated by the pin 64-1c, and the state is maintained as it is. ing.

  However, if the bearing 65 and the bearing 67 are disengaged from both the shaft support portion 910 and the open groove 6-2a by lifting the photosensitive unit 140, it is supported at the right side portion of the developing unit 6-3 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the developing unit 6-3 rotates clockwise with the pin 136 as a fulcrum by a moment due to its own weight, and stops when it hits the bottom of the image forming apparatus as shown by a solid line in FIG. . In such a tilted state, when the photosensitive unit 140 is mounted again, the developing unit 6-3 must be pulled up, which is difficult. Therefore, the photosensitive unit can be attached to and detached from the developing unit without giving any change to the mounting state of the developing unit with respect to the main body side plate and the common assembly member.

  In this example, the developing devices (first developing device 6 and second developing device) that visualize the latent image on the image carrier (photosensitive drums 16 and 26) in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, etc. 8) A common assembly comprising a development unit support for supporting the development unit integrated in the unit case and a writing means support for supporting the writing means 18, 28, etc. The positional relationship between the developing unit and the writing unit is set via a member.

In FIG. 36, common assembly members 900A and 1100A attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400 are basically the same as the common assembly members 900 and 1100 described in FIGS. In place of the support portions 920 and 1110, writing means support portions 920A and 1120A, and in place of the shaft support portions 910 and 1110, development unit support portions 910A and 1110A are provided. A common assembly member 1300A (see FIG. 44) corresponding to the common assembly member 1300 described in FIGS. 1, 4 and the like is located at a position on the right side in the left-right direction with respect to these common assembly members 900A and 1100A. Although a common assembling member corresponding to the assembling member 1100 ′ is provided, the description and description are omitted here because the description is duplicated. The main body side plates 300 and 400 have the same notch 3 as described in FIG.
02 and 402 are formed.

  The developing unit 6-3A to be assembled to the common assembling members 900A and 1100A corresponds to the developing unit 6-3 described with reference to FIG. 28, and includes the first developing device 6 in FIGS. Yes. Since the first developing device 6 includes the A color developing device 19 and the B color developing device 20, the developing unit 6-3 is provided with a plurality of developing devices capable of visualizing different colors. It will be.

[3] B-a. Developing Unit The developing unit 6-3A is provided with an intermediate support member 200 that is positioned by being fitted to the developing unit support portion 910A. The developing unit 6-3A is provided with the same intermediate support member as the intermediate support member 200 on the back side, but is not clearly shown because it is hidden in FIG. In FIG. 37, the intermediate support member 200 has a convex fitted portion 201 that is detachably fitted to the developing unit support portion 910A. 36 includes a receiving portion 65A2 included in the photoreceptor unit 140A ′ shown in FIG. 36 and a concave fitting portion 202 that is detachably fitted, and the concave fitting portion 202 has an upper half-moon shape. Is open. The curvature of the fitted portion 201 of the intermediate support member 200 matches the curvature of the developing unit support portion 910A, and these have a relationship of being detachably fitted.

FIG. 35 shows the photoreceptor unit 140A. 35 and FIG. 36, the photoconductor unit 140A shown in FIG. 35 is of a type that sends waste toner to the take-out portion 74 by the auger 70, and is similar to the photoconductor unit 140 shown in FIG. 36 is a type in which the waste toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 21a is accommodated in a collection box 103 provided facing the axial width of the photosensitive drum 16 in the photosensitive unit 140A ′. 29 is similar to the photoconductor unit 140 ′ shown in FIG. 29. In the configuration of the photoconductor unit 140A ′ shown in FIG. 36, the auger 70 is not provided. The recovery box 103 is provided instead. Except for these differences, the configuration of the photosensitive unit 140A shown in FIG. 35 is the same as that of the photosensitive unit 140A ′ shown in FIG. 36, and there is no difference in the means for attaching to and detaching from the developing unit 6-3A. .

  36, the developing unit 6-3A is provided with pins 136 and 136 'as in the developing unit 6-3 described with reference to FIG. These pins 136, 136 ′ have a function as a hooked portion that is hooked to the main body side plates 300, 400 as immovable members at a position different from the portion where the intermediate support member 200 is provided. Accordingly, the intermediate support member 200 is fitted to the developing unit support portion 910A on the front side, the pin 136 is hooked on the notch portion 302, and the same operation is performed on the back side, so that the developing unit 6- 3A is a common assembly member 900A. The main body side plates 300 and 400 can be detachably assembled via 1100A. As described above, the developing unit 6-3A is supported at two points in the left-right direction on each of the near side and the far side, for a total of four points, so that the developing unit 6-3A is always kept in a stable state.

  In this way, the photosensitive unit 140A ′ (development unit 140A in the case of FIG. 30) is stacked from the top in this example with respect to the development unit 6-3A that is stably attached to the main body side plates 300 and 400. As a result, the photosensitive unit 140A can be freely attached to and detached from the developing unit 6-3A without affecting the assembled state of the developing unit 6-3A with respect to the main body side plates 300, 400. . The means will be described below.

As shown in enlarged views in FIGS. 37 and 39, the unit case 6-2A on the front side constituting the exterior portion of the developing unit 6-3A is concentric with the curvature of the fitting portion 202 and has one circumferential surface having the same curvature. A surface composed of a portion is defined as a bottom portion 203, and a U-shaped groove 206 constituted by surfaces 204 and 205 extending in parallel and facing upward from the bottom portion 203 is provided.
On the other hand, in FIG. 38, the collection box 103 is provided integrally with the photoreceptor case 64A, and a bearing 65A is integrally fixed to the outer surface portion of the photoreceptor case 64A. The bearing 65A rotatably supports the shaft portion 62 of the photosensitive drum 16, and has an oval shape portion 65A1 whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis is substantially oval as shown in FIGS. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axis is composed of a receiving portion 65A2, an outer diameter portion 65A3, an outer diameter portion 65A4, and the like having a cylindrical shape.

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the oval shape portion 65A1 is divided into parallel flat portions 65A1a and 65A1b that are equally distributed around the center O3 of the hole through which the shaft portion 62 passes, and a receiving center that is centered on the center O3. It has curved surface portions 65A1c and 65A1d made of a part of the circumference having the same diameter as the portion 65A2 (see FIG. 38). The distance between the parallel flat surface portion 65A1a and the parallel flat surface portion 65A1b, that is, the thickness thereof is slidably fitted in the groove 206. The parallel flat portions 65A1a and 65A1b are set at a predetermined angle with respect to the charger 27 and the cleaning blade 21a when viewed from the axial direction. The predetermined angle is, for example, an angle at which the developing rollers 32 and 33 in the developing unit 6-3A can perform the predetermined image forming process shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 with respect to the photosensitive drum 16. .
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 42, by inserting the oval shape portion 65A1 into the groove 206, the curved surface portion 65A1d is brought into close contact with the bottom portion 203 by its own weight, and the photosensitive unit 140A ′ is fixed to the developing unit 6-3A. It can be attached in a positional relationship. Further, by pulling obliquely upward in the direction of the groove 206, it can be easily detached from the developing unit 6-3A. In this manner, only the photosensitive unit 140A ′ can be attached to and detached from the developing unit 6-3A without any operation on the developing unit 6-3A.

  Here, as described with reference to FIG. 36, when the photoreceptor unit 140A ′ is attached to and detached from the developing unit 6-3A that is assembled to the main body side plates 300 and 400, as described with reference to FIG. Since the opening angle θ1 of the upper case 106 is limited, if the photosensitive unit 140A is pulled up in the vertical direction, it interferes with the intermediate transfer belt 10. Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 42, the groove 206 is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle θ3 that matches the opening angle θ1. In this way, by restricting the direction in which the photosensitive unit 140A 'is detached from the developing unit 6-3A, interference with the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the like is prevented, damage is prevented, and attachment / detachment work is facilitated.

[3] B-b. Attachment of the developing unit to the common assembly member The fitting relationship between the concave fitting portion 202 of the intermediate support member 200 and the receiving portion 65A2 is such that the photosensitive unit 140 ′ is simply dropped into the groove 206 by its own weight. It is unstable in the state. Therefore, in order to ensure the fitting of the receiving portion 65A2 to the fitting portion 202 and the holding state thereof, a receiving portion fixing means that presses the receiving portion 65A2 against the fitting portion 202 and can release it is provided.

The first example of the receiving portion fixing means is a lever that is pivotally attached to a part of the photoreceptor unit 140A ′ and has an engaged portion on the free end side, and is provided on a part of the developing unit 6-3A. It comprises an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the lever.
A first example of the receiving portion fixing means will be described.
In FIG. 38, the outer diameter portion 65A2 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the receiving portion 65A2, and a step is provided for bringing the end of the lever 304 into contact with the receiving portion 65A2. The lever 304 has an inner diameter portion 304b fitted to the outer diameter portion 65A2, a handle 304a provided on the free end side extending from the inner diameter portion 304b, and a non-engagement provided on the free end side facing the handle 304a. It has a recess 304c as a part. The inner diameter portion 304b of the lever 304 is attached to the outer diameter portion 65A3, and the washer 305 is attached to the outer diameter portion 65A4 smaller in diameter than the outer diameter portion 65A3, and then the retaining ring 306 is fitted to the shaft portion 62 to prevent the lever 304 from coming off. By doing so, the lever 304 is pivotally attached to the outer diameter portion 65A3. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 39, a shaft 208 as an engaging portion that engages with the concave portion 304c is implanted in a predetermined portion around the intermediate support portion 200 in the unit case 6-2A.

  For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the developing unit support 910A is formed with a recess 910A1 for accommodating the shaft 208. A concave portion 1110A1 is similarly formed in the developing unit support portion 1110A.

  Thus, the receiving portion fixing means is configured, and the handle 304 is operated in a state where the photosensitive unit 140A ′ is attached to the developing unit 6-3A, that is, in a state where the receiving portion 65A2 is fitted to the fitting portion 202. Then, the recess 304 c is engaged with the shaft 208. As shown in FIG. 40, under this engaged state, the tip of the recess 304c is elastically deformed to a portion on the outer periphery of the shaft 208 that exceeds the line segment ee connecting the center O4 and the center O5 of the shaft portion 62. The shaft 208 is firmly held, and the receiving portion 65A2 is pressed against the fitting portion 202. FIG. 41 shows a state in which the photosensitive unit 140A ′ is integrally fixed and held on the developing unit 6-3A.

  The whole of the development unit 6-3A and the photoreceptor unit 140A 'thus integrated is referred to as a composite unit and is denoted by reference numeral 2000. When disassembling the photosensitive unit 140A ′ from the developing unit 6-3A, the lever 304 is rotated in the reverse direction to the engagement to release the engagement of the recess 304c with the shaft 208, and then the oval shape is formed along the groove 206. The part 65A1 may be pulled out and the photosensitive unit 208 may be lifted. The handle 304a also functions as a handle portion when the photosensitive unit 140A 'is lifted and detached from the developing unit 6-3A.

  A third example of the receiving portion fixing means will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, a concave portion is formed in the bottom portion of the U-shaped groove 206 so that the oval shape portion 65A1 can be latched according to the displacement of the oval shape portion 65A1. As part fixing means. In this example, the recesses 206X that accommodate the corners where the parallel flat surface portions 65A1a and the curved surface portions 65A1d intersect,. The recess 206Y that accommodates the corner portion where the parallel plane portion 65A1b and the curved surface portion 65A1c intersect constitutes a recess as a receiving portion fixing means. The recess 206X and the recess 206Y are formed by assuming that the oval shape portion 65A1 is rotated around the center O3 in a state where the oval shape portion 65A1 is positioned at the bottom of the groove 206, and the parallel flat portion 65A1a and the curved surface portion 65A1d. And the corner where the parallel plane portion 65A1b and the curved surface portion 65A1c intersect correspond to a concave space created by biting into the opposing surfaces 204 and 205 of the groove 206.

  In this example, when the oval shape portion 65A1 is fitted in the groove 206 and then rotated in the clockwise direction, the oval shape portion 65A1 can be held in a predetermined position. If the parallel flat portions 65A1a and 65A1b are parallel to the opposing surfaces 204 and 205 of the groove 206, the above holding state can be released and pulled out.

  As described above, in the state of the composite unit 2000 (see FIG. 41) in which the developing unit 6-3A and the photosensitive unit 140A are integrated by the receiving portion fixing unit, the common set on one end side of the developing unit 6-3A. The intermediate support member 200 is attached to and detached from the attachment member 900A (same for the common assembly member 1100A), and the main body side plates 300 and 400 at the other end of the developing unit 6-3A are latched and released by the pins 136 and 136 ′. The composite unit 2000 can be attached to and detached from the main body side plates 300 and 400.

  Here, the fixing of the photosensitive unit 140A ′ to the developing unit 6-3A is not a problem because it is fixed by the receiving portion fixing means as described above. Regarding the latching by the pins 136 and 136 ′ to the main body side plates 300 and 400, As described above with reference to FIG. 28, since it does not float due to the action of the developing unit's own weight, downward moment, etc., there is no need for another means of restraining from above, but it is not necessary for the developing unit support 910A. The support of the intermediate support member 200 is unstable unless it is held down from above.

  Therefore, in this example, as shown in FIG. 44, a slide member 450 is provided which moves to a position facing the intermediate support member 200 with the receiving portion 65A2 therebetween, and can be retracted from this position. By holding the intermediate support member 200 with the common assembly member 900A via the receiving portion 65A2, the composite unit 2000 (see FIG. 41) is held by the common assembly member 900A. Here, the slide member 450 is formed of a horizontally long plate-like member. The slide member 450 has upper and lower edges supported by an upper guide 450u and a lower guide 450d fixed to the main body side plate 300, and is movable in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 45, the upper guide 450u and the lower guide 450d have a concave shape, and the slide member 450 is placed in the groove.

  By causing the upper guide 450u and the lower guide 450d to guide the slide member 450, it is possible to move the slide member 450 to a holding position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 44 and a retracted position retracted from the holding position. In FIG. 44, a slide member 450 'indicates a slide member for holding the composite unit including the photosensitive drum 26 and the second developing device 8 in FIG. 22, and is configured in the same manner as the slide member 450.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the slide members 450 and 450 ′ are not provided with two main body side plates, but are formed as long slide members that are integrally connected to each other in the left-right direction. It is also possible to hold the receiving portions and the intermediate support members that are located apart from each other and hold them with the common assembly member. In this case, the size of the long slide member is set such that each receiving portion can be pressed and released in the left-right direction, and the upper guide 450u and the lower guide 450d that guide it are also strokes of the guide member. It is provided over a range that enables

Procedure for assembling various members using common assembly member [4] A. Assembling method for assembling the main body based on the latent image carrier unit In the example described with reference to FIG. 28 and the like, first, a support portion for supporting the receiving portion (outer diameter portion 67b) that supports the image carrier (photosensitive member unit 140). The (shaft support portion 910) and the support portion (write means support portion 920) for supporting the writing means 18 (see FIGS. 14 and 24) are formed so as to satisfy a predetermined relational position suitable for image writing. The common assembly member 900 is assembled to the main body side plate 300 of the image forming apparatus. Next, the writing means 18 is assembled to the common assembly member 900. On the other hand, an image carrier (photosensitive unit 140 or photosensitive unit 140 ′) is assembled and integrated with a developing unit 6-3 having a developing device that visualizes the latent image. Alternatively, a composite unit integrated in this way is prepared in advance in the service department. Next, assembly is performed by assembling the receiving portion (outer diameter portion 67 b) of the photosensitive drum 16 constituting the composite unit to the common assembly member 900. As described above, in the assembly method of assembling the main body with the latent image carrier unit as a reference, in the place where it is easy to work in the state of the composite unit, the photosensitive unit and the developing unit are disassembled from the state of the composite unit and replaced. Maintenance can be performed, and it can be assembled into the main body after being integrated into a composite unit.

[4] B Assembling method for assembling the developing unit on the main body In the example described with reference to FIGS. 35, 36, etc., first, a supporting portion (common assembly) supporting the intermediate supporting member 200 integrated with the developing unit 6-3A. The development unit support portion 910A of the member 900A and the support portion (write means support portion 920) that supports the writing means 18 (see FIGS. 14 and 24) are formed so as to satisfy a predetermined relational position necessary for image formation. The common assembly member 900A is assembled to the main body side plate 300 of the image forming apparatus. Next, the writing means 18 and the developing unit 6-3A are respectively assembled to the common assembling member 300, and thus the photosensitive unit 140A is attached to the intermediate support member 200 of the developing unit 6-3A assembled to the common assembling member 900A. 'Assemble by following the assembly procedure of assembling (photosensitive unit 140A in the case of FIG. 35).

As described above, the assembly method in which the developing unit is assembled to the main body has a configuration in which the assembly procedure in which the common assembly member 900A, the intermediate support member 200, and the receiving portion 65A2 are stacked in this order from the bottom is possible. The photosensitive unit 140A ′ (140A) riding on the top through the receiving portion 65A2 has no influence on the developing unit 6-3 positioned below, and is independent from the main body side plate 300 (common assembly). It can be attached to and detached from the member 900A).
Further, the composite unit 2000 can be attached to and detached from the main body side plate 300 in the assembled state in which the photosensitive units 140A and 140A ′ are placed thereon, that is, in the state of the composite unit 2000 as shown in FIG. . In this case, the composite unit 2000 can be disassembled from the state of the composite unit 2000 into a photoconductor unit and a developing unit at a place where the work is easy to perform, and necessary parts replacement and maintenance can be performed. It is also possible to assemble the main body of the image forming apparatus in an assembled state integrated with 2000.

[5] Replacement timing and replacement method of each unit Here, based on the above description, examples related to the replacement timing and replacement method of each unit such as the image carrier unit, the developing unit, the intermediate transfer unit, etc. explain.
Here, the image carrier unit is the photosensitive unit 140, 240, 140A ′ in the above description, the development unit is the development unit 6-3, 6-3A in the above description, and the intermediate transfer unit is the intermediate transfer unit 100 in the above description. Etc.

  In the first aspect of the invention, the developing units 6-3 and 6-3A in the first image station, such as the photosensitive units 140 and 140A ′ in the first image station and the photosensitive unit 240 in the second image station based on these units. In addition, at least one of the developing unit and the intermediate transfer unit 100 in the second image station conforming to the above is configured to be detachably assembled to the main body, and two or more types of components or materials constituting the unit Or the form, material, and usage conditions are determined so that the time when the specified performance cannot be maintained for the material is substantially the same, and the assembly can be released independently based on the time when the time comes It is said.

In the invention according to claim 2, the time when the performance cannot be maintained is the life time of the component or the material, and when the component constitutes a container, the contents in the container are changed over time. The content is to increase and become full. More specific examples of these will be described below.

[5] -a. Photoreceptor Unit In this section, examples according to claims 3 to 8 and 16 will be mainly described.
The photoconductor unit in claim 3 corresponds to the photoconductor unit 140A ′ in the first image station 14 illustrated in FIG. 36. This photoconductor unit 140A ′ is also shown in FIGS. 23, 39, and 41. As shown, it has a collection box 103 which is a container-like waste toner container.

  In FIG. 23, inside the collection box 103, a sensor S1 is provided as a waste toner full detection means. This sensor S1 outputs a signal when the upper surface level of the waste toner collected in the collection box 103 reaches the position of the sensor S1. This signal is input to the control means 3A that controls the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the signal from the sensor S1, the control means 3A turns on the warning lamp of the display unit 3a provided at an easily visible position on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus or generates a warning sound to indicate that the user is full. To inform. Based on these warnings, the user replaces the photoreceptor unit 140.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the lifetime of the components and materials of the photoconductor unit 140A ′ is set so that the replacement time of the photoconductor unit 140A ′ comes when the waste toner in the collection box 103 where these warnings are issued is full. is there. In FIG. 23, a similar sensor S2 is also provided in the recovery box 103 ′ in the second image station 24 configured in the same manner as the recovery box 103 in the first image station 14 so that a signal is input to the control means 3A. In the second image station 24, the photosensitive unit is similarly replaced based on the signal from the sensor S2.

  In the fourth and sixteenth aspects, the photosensitive member 16 is a component that comes to be replaced when the collection box 103 becomes full. That is, the life of the photoconductor 16 and the full time of the collection box 103 are set to be substantially the same time, and the disposal cycle of the waste toner collected in the collection box 103 and the replacement cycle of the photoconductor 16 are matched. Content. In this example, when there is a warning based on the sensor S1, the waste toner in the collection box 103 is full. At this time, the photoconductor is also at the end of its life, so that the photoconductor unit 140A ′ can be replaced. The replacement times of the two parts are matched, so that double labor of the work is avoided and the use efficiency of the parts is maximized.

The method of exchanging the photoconductor unit 140A ′ has already been described. For example, the developing unit 6-3 of the type having the receiving portion holding means 134 uses the receiving portion holding means 134 as described in the above [2] Ah in accordance with FIGS. A composite unit in which the photosensitive unit 140 or the photosensitive unit 140 ′ is integrally combined with the developing unit 6-3 is formed, and the photosensitive unit 140 or the photosensitive unit 140 ′ is connected to the main body side plate 300 in the state of the combined unit. 400 can be assembled to or released from the intermediate support members 900 and 1100 integrated with 400, but since it is difficult to replace the developing unit 6-3 alone as described in [3] section B, it is practical. As shown in FIG. 25, the upper unit is assembled to the main body in the state of a composite unit in which the developing unit 6-3 is combined with the photosensitive unit 140, or the assembly is released. To. Then, the photoreceptor unit 140 or the photoreceptor unit 140 ′ is removed from the composite unit and replaced.
On the other hand, for the developing unit 6-3A of the type provided with the intermediate support member 200, as described in the above [3] B-b in accordance with FIG. 35, FIG. Can be detached from the developing unit 6-3A from the state of the composite unit 2000 independently of the developing unit 6-3A.

  In this case, the photoconductor unit 140A and the photoconductor unit 140A 'can be replaced with new ones, or only parts with a short life can be replaced.

  As for the photoconductor 16 as the replacement part product, as shown in FIG. 46, an unused new photoconductor having a peripheral surface covered with a protective film 5 and having a configuration in which the peripheral surface portion is covered is prepared in advance. If the film covered with the protective film 5 is attached to the photosensitive unit, the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive member is not damaged during the mounting operation, so that the photosensitive surface is protected and the workability of replacement is improved.

  In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the small-diameter portion 65a of the bearing 65 is press-fitted into the hole portions forming the keyhole-shaped openings 64-1a and 64-1b, and similarly into the large-diameter portion 63a of the shaft portion 63. Means for inserting the bearing 66 and press-fitting the small-diameter portion 66a of the bearing 66 into the hole portion of the opening 64-1b, and fixing the small-diameter portions 65a and 66a to the hole portion in a releasable manner; For example, a means such as screwing is employed. As a result, the photoconductor can be replaced by being disassembled by the reverse procedure of assembly. When the new photosensitive member 16 is attached, the protective film 5 can be easily peeled off with the rotation of the photosensitive member 16 by grasping and pulling the ear portion 5a of the protective film 5 shown in FIG.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the capacity of the recovery box 103 is set so that the life of the constituent parts having the shortest life among the parts constituting the photosensitive unit and the time when the exhaust toner is full are set substantially at the same time. And the replacement cycle of the component with the shortest service life are matched, and the collection box 103 is filled when the life of the component with the shortest service life is reached. Keep it. If it does in this way, exchange can be performed based on the warning in display part 3B.

  In the above case, according to the invention of claim 7, the part having the shortest life among the parts constituting the photosensitive unit 140A 'is the charger 17 made of a charging brush. Since the charger 17 is rubbed, there are many cases where the selection of the material is limited when the restriction is imposed in relation to the cost, the life is shortened, and the replacement cycle is the earliest. In this case, if the capacity of the recovery box is determined in accordance with the life of the charger 17, the effect of claim 3 can be obtained.

  In each of the above examples, the photoconductor unit 140A ′ in the first image station 14 has been described, but the second image station 24 is also provided with photoconductor units of the same shape and size, which are mutually connected. The image forming apparatus is configured to have mounting compatibility with the main body. Therefore, the amount of parts to be prepared by the user can be reduced by increasing the degree of freedom of replacement, and as a manufacturer, the cost of production is reduced due to the simplification of production equipment and the like by reducing the types of parts. There are advantages to doing.

[5] -b. Development Unit In this section, an example according to claims 9 to 12 will be mainly described.
The developing unit that can be assembled to the image forming apparatus main body and that can be unassembled is held in the receiving portion as described in the above [2] Ah in accordance with FIGS. A developing unit 6-3 having a means 134, and a type having an intermediate support member 200 as described in the section [3] Ba in accordance with FIGS. There are two types of development unit 6-3A. Among these, the developing unit 6-3 is provided with the first developing device 6 in the unit cases 6-1 and 6-2, and the first developing device 6 functions as the developing rollers 32 and 33 and the toner stirring means. Developing means such as paddles 2C, 2M and conveying screws 4C, 4M are provided. The same applies to the developing unit 6-3A.

  The developing unit 6-3 of the type having the receiving portion holding means 134 is a developing unit using the receiving portion holding means 134 as described in the section [2] Ah in accordance with FIGS. 6-3, a composite unit in which the photoconductor unit 140 or the photoconductor unit 140 ′ is integrally combined is formed. In this composite unit state, the photoconductor unit 140 or the photoconductor unit 140 ′ is connected to the main body side plates 300 and 400. The integrated intermediate support members 900 and 1100 can be assembled or released.

  The developing unit 6-3A of the type provided with the intermediate supporting member 200 is the same as that of the intermediate supporting member 200 of the developing unit 6-3A as described in [3] B-b in accordance with FIGS. A part can be assembled | attached to the intermediate | middle support site | parts 900 and 1100 integral with the main body side plates 300 and 400, or an assembly | attachment can be cancelled | released. In this type of developing unit 6-3A, the photosensitive unit 140 or the photosensitive unit 140A ′ is assembled in advance to the developing unit 6-3A when assembled to the main body, and the composite unit 2000 is configured as shown in FIG. Assemble to the main body.

  In the illustrated developing units 6-3 and 6-3A, the first developing device 6 includes an A color developing device 19 and a C color developing device 20. The A color developing unit 19 is provided with a paddle 2M, a conveying screw 4M and the like as developing means, and the C color developing unit 20 is provided with a paddle 2C and a conveying screw 4C as developing means. Therefore, in the case of this example, when the developing unit 6-3 or the developing unit 6-3A is replaced, the developers for both the A color developing device 19 and the C color developing device 20 are also replaced. It should be noted that a monochromatic image forming apparatus having only one developing device can be easily configured as the contents of the developing unit, and in this case, the monochromatic developer can be replaced in the entire developing unit for each unit case. Is done.

  In the image forming apparatus as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, since the developing units are provided in the first station 14 and the second station 24, respectively, there are two developing units. Is different in toner color among the contained developer, but has the same shape and size, and is compatible with attachment to the main body. Therefore, if the developer of the required color is filled immediately before replacement, the degree of freedom of replacement increases, so that the amount of parts that the user needs to prepare can be reduced. By reducing the number of types, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost is reduced due to simplification of the manufacturing equipment.

[5] -c. Composite unit In this section, an example according to claim 12 will be mainly described.
Since the developing unit 6-3 of the type having the receiving portion holding means 134 is difficult to be replaced by the developing unit 6-3 alone as described in [3] B, it is practically shown in FIG. As described above, the developing unit 6-3 is assembled to the main body in a composite unit state in which the developing unit 6-3 is combined with the photosensitive unit 140, or the assembly is released. Since the developing unit 6-3 and the photosensitive unit 140 are detachably assembled so as to be assembled and released, the combined unit is configured after being removed from the main body in a combined unit state. The assembly of the photoconductor unit 140 and the developing unit 6-3 is released, and the unit with the shorter lifetime is replaced with a new one and assembled into a composite unit, which is assembled to the main body. In this case, it is also possible to replace only the component whose replacement cycle or short-life unit has been determined and whose replacement cycle has been determined.

  The developing unit 6-3A of the type having the intermediate support member 200 is also detachably assembled so that the photosensitive unit 140A and the developing unit 6-3A can be assembled and released, as shown in FIG. After being removed from the main body in the state of the composite unit 2000 as shown, the assembled state of the photosensitive unit 140A and the developing unit 6-3A is divided, and either or both of the units are replaced, or the components of the unit are replaced. Exchange.

[5] -d. Intermediate transfer unit In this section, examples according to claims 13 to 15 and 17 will be mainly described.
The intermediate transfer unit 100 in FIGS. 24, 47, and 49 is a transfer roller as a transfer means for applying a transfer bias for transferring the images of the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the photosensitive members 16 and 27 shown in FIG. 39, 39 ', the first transfer brush 41, the second transfer brush 42, a cleaning device 61 as a cleaning means for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 10, and the like. These members are provided in the unit case 100a. Yes.

  Further, the unit case 100 a is provided with a storage box 61 f as a container-like waste toner storage portion that stores the waste toner cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the cleaning device 61. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a sensor S3 is provided as a waste toner full detection means for detecting when the waste toner in the storage box 61f is full.

  The sensor S3 outputs a signal when the upper surface level of the waste toner collected in the storage box 61f reaches the position of the sensor S2. This signal is input to the control means 3A that controls the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the signal from the sensor S3, the control means 3A turns on the warning lamp of the display unit 3a provided at an easy-to-see location on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus or generates a warning sound to indicate that the user is full. To inform. Based on these warnings, the user replaces the intermediate transfer belt unit 100. The invention of claim 13 sets the lifetime of the components and materials of the intermediate transfer unit 100 so that the replacement timing of the intermediate transfer unit 100 comes when the waste toner in the storage box 61f where these warnings are issued is full.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the capacity of the storage box 61f is such that the life of the intermediate transfer belt 10 and the exhausted toner in the storage box 61f are almost the same time, or the exhausted toner is full before the life of the intermediate transfer belt 10. And the discarding cycle of the waste toner stored in the storage box 61f is matched with the replacement cycle of the intermediate transfer belt 10. In this way, the intermediate transfer unit can be replaced based on the warning in the display unit 3B.

  According to the fifteenth and sixteenth aspects of the present invention, the capacity of the storage box 61f is set so that the life of the component having the shortest life among the components of the intermediate transfer unit 100 and the toner exhaustion are almost at the same time. By providing the sensor S3 at a position that is full of waste toner, the waste toner discard cycle is made to coincide with the replacement cycle of the component having the shortest life. In this example, when there is a warning based on the sensor S3, the waste toner in the storage box 61f is full. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 10 has also reached the end of its life, so the intermediate transfer unit 100 must be replaced. Thus, the replacement times of the two parts are matched, so that a double labor of work is avoided and the use efficiency of the parts is maximized.

  A means for assembling the intermediate transfer unit 100 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body or releasing the assembly will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 24, the upper case 106 is integrally provided with a housing 98 that accommodates the intermediate transfer unit 100. The casing 98 is shown in a substantially U-shaped shape in FIG. 47, and the right end in the left-right direction is open and the left end is closed. The upper side is covered with a cover in a form connected to the hatched part. Each block-shaped holding member 120 is integrally provided on the inner side of the inner member 98 a constituting the housing 98. Similarly, holding members 121 each having a block shape are also provided inside the member 98 on the near side. Both the holding members 120 and 121 have the same shape and size.

  As shown in FIG. 47, these holding members 120 and 121 are formed with grooves 120a1 that are long in the left-right direction on the inner surfaces facing each other except for the worm 128 support member 129 described below. The right end of the groove 120a1 is open to the outside, and the left side is closed.

  Further, a groove 122a is formed at the right end in the left-right direction of the rear member 98a. The right end of the groove 122 is open to the outside. Similarly, a groove 122b is also formed at the right end of the front side member 98b in the left-right direction. The right end of the groove 122b is also open to the outside. A lever 125 that can swing about a shaft 124a as a fulcrum is provided on the back surface of the member 98a and on the left side of the groove 122a in the left-right direction. Similarly, a lever 126 that can be swung with a shaft 124b as a fulcrum is provided at a position facing the lever 125 on the front surface of the member 98b. The lever 125 and the lever 126 have the same size and shape.

  A worm 128 is provided in the vertical direction at a left position of the holding member 120. The worm 128 is a part of a drive system that drives the intermediate transfer belt 10, and is connected to a motor (not shown) provided in a cover portion of the housing 98 to be rotationally driven. The lower end of the worm 128 is pivotally supported by a support member 129 provided integrally with the holding member 120.

  In FIG. 47, the intermediate transfer unit 100 is provided with a cleaning device 61 indicated by reference numeral 61 in FIG. 22, but since it is difficult to show all of them, only the storage box 61f is shown. Further, the transfer rollers 39, 39 ', the first transfer brush 41, the second transfer brush 42, and the like shown in FIG. 22 are also provided, but are not shown in FIG.

In the intermediate transfer unit 100, a bearing 56a and a bearing 56b that support a shaft integral with the driven roller 13 protrude in the left-right direction. A bearing 57a and a bearing 57b that support a shaft integral with the drive roller 12 protrude in the left-right direction. The bearing 57a can be engaged with the groove 120a1 of the holding member 120, and the bearing 57b can be engaged with the groove of the holding member 121 (the same groove as the groove 120a1; not shown). Similarly, the bearing 56a can be engaged with the groove 122a, and the bearing 56b can be engaged with the groove 122b.

  The gear 58G provided at the bearing 57a and the gear 59G provided at the bearing 57a are both fixed to the shaft of the driving roller 12 and rotate together with the driving roller 12. A gear 82G is meshed with the gear 59G via idle gears 80G and 81G. The gear 82G is fixed to the central shaft 61h shown in FIG. Note that gears corresponding to the idle gears 80G and 81G and the gear 82G are not provided around the gear 58G. These idle gears 80G and 81G are for adjusting the direction of rotation of the rotating body 61g in relation to the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer body.

  47, when the intermediate transfer unit 100 is assembled to the housing 98, the intermediate transfer unit 100 is moved in the direction of the arrow, and the bearings 57a and 57b are engaged with the grooves 120a1 of the holding members 120 and 121, and at the same time the bearing 56a. 56b are engaged with the grooves 122a and 122b, respectively, and the first developing device 6, the second developing device 8, the photoconductor units 140 and 240 shown in FIG. Is properly set. At this time, the gear 58G and the worm 128 are engaged with each other (see FIG. 48). In order to maintain such a position, the bearing 56b is held by the lever 126, and the bearing 56b is held by the lever 126. This situation is shown in FIG.

  Since the relationship between holding the bearing 56a by the lever 125 and holding the bearing 56b by the lever 126 is the same, how the bearing 56a is held by the lever 125 will be described with reference to FIG. 50, the center of the shaft 124b of the lever 126 and the center of the bearing 56b are on the same horizontal plane, and the claw 126a of the lever 126 has an elastic force on the peripheral surface of the bearing 56b below the horizontal plane passing through the center of the bearing 56b. To hold the bearing 56b. The tip of the lever 126 also serves as a handle. If the handle 126 is gripped and the lever 126 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the holding of the bearing 56b is released.

  When removing the intermediate transfer unit 100 from the main body, in FIG. 24, the cover 108 is opened, the upper case 106 is raised to the position of the two-dot chain line, and the levers 125 and 126 are operated to release the bearings 56ba and 56b. The intermediate transfer unit 100 may be pulled out from the housing 98. When assembling, the reverse order is applied.

  In the seventeenth aspect of the invention, for example, a sensor S3 as a waste toner full detection means detects when the waste toner is full in the storage box 61f that contains the waste toner cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt 10 by the cleaning device 61. At the time of detection, the intermediate transfer unit 100 is replaced by the method described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 47 to 50.

[6] Example of replacement cycle of each unit and determination factor thereof FIG. 22 in the above example shows a trial calculation example in the image forming apparatus.
[6] A. Life of components of each unit [6] Aa. Photoreceptor unit When the diameter of the photoconductor 16 is 30 mm, the material is OPC (organic photoconductor), and the photoconductor 16 is replaced due to exchange factors such as electrostatic fatigue, light fatigue, scratches caused by the developer or blade, and wear. The replacement cycle is for every processing of 20K sheets of full-color images. However, as will be described later, it is assumed that the charging brush is replaced individually when every 10 sheets are replaced. The breakdown is described below.

Replacement when charging brush 17 is made of conductive fiber (rayon + carbon, resistance of 10 ⁵ Ωcm) and is replaced due to replacement factors such as adhesion of dust or toner, breakage or bending, deterioration of electrical characteristics, etc. The cycle is a full-color image every 10K to 20K sheets. The reason why the charging brush replacement cycle is wide is that there are uncertain factors, and that a specific value is determined for the first time in an actual use site. Therefore, when the length is shorter than other parts, only the charging brush is replaced alone.

  Regarding the cleaning blade, the replacement cycle when 21a is made of polyurethane rubber (70Hs high) and is replaced due to replacement factors such as blade edge deterioration (wear, cracks, chipping, etc.) and hardness reduction is a full color image. This is every 40K sheets processed.

  The coating bar may be slid in contact with the surface state of the photoconductor 16 in order to maintain a predetermined transfer performance. In this case, the replacement cycle when the material of the coating bar is zinc stearate and consumption is a replacement factor is The entire sliding unit of the coating bar is processed for 20K sheets of full-color images.

  Therefore, in this example, a replacement cycle of 20K is basically possible for the photosensitive unit. However, the charging brush may need to be replaced every 10K sheets.

[6] Ab. Developing unit As for the developing unit constituting the first developing device 6 and the developing unit constituting the second developing device 8, a two-component developer is used and two image stations are replaced at the same time. The replacement cycle is a full-color image when replacement is performed due to replacement factors such as deterioration (deterioration of resistance value, dielectric constant, triboelectric chargeability, etc.), scraping of the carrier coating film, and spending (fusion of toner and carrier). 80K sheets / 400g of paper, that is, 80K sheets when the developer is 400g, and therefore 200K, every 40K sheets.

[6] Ac. Intermediate transfer unit The replacement cycle of the intermediate transfer unit 100 is performed every 40K sheets of full-color images. The breakdown is described below.

The intermediate transfer belt 10 is made of a fluorine-based resin sheet (volume resistance: 10 ¹⁴ Ωcm, surface resistance: 10 ¹² Ω / cm ² ), electrical characteristics deterioration (deterioration of resistance value, dielectric constant, etc.), scratches caused by developer or blade, The replacement cycle when the replacement is performed due to replacement factors such as wear, cracks, and elongation is every 40K sheets processed with a full-color image.

  The cleaning blade 61a is made of polyurethane rubber (hardness 70Hs), and the replacement cycle when it is replaced due to replacement factors such as blade edge deterioration (wear, cracks, chipping) and hardness reduction is a full-color image of 40K sheets of paper. Every process.

The transfer brushes 41 and 42 are made of conductive fibers (rayon + carbon, resistance 10 ⁵ Ωcm), and are exchanged due to exchange factors such as adhesion of dust or toner, breakage or bending, deterioration of electrical characteristics, etc. The replacement cycle is for every processing of 10K to 20K sheets of full-color images. The reason why the transfer brush replacement cycle is wide is that there are uncertain factors, and because a specific value is determined for the first time in an actual use site. Therefore, when the length is shorter than other parts, only the transfer brush is replaced alone.

  In order to maintain a predetermined transfer performance, the surface state of the intermediate transfer belt 10 may be brought into sliding contact with the coating bar. In this case, the coating bar is made of zinc stearate and the exchange cycle when wear is used as a replacement factor. Is the processing of 40K sheets of full-color images as a whole of the sliding unit of the coating bar.

  Therefore, in this example, an exchange cycle of 40K is basically possible for the intermediate transfer unit. However, the transfer brush may need to be replaced every 10K sheets.

[6] B. Estimated amount of waste toner [6] Ba Waste toner amount in the photoconductor unit The estimation of the amount of waste toner when the photoconductor unit replacement cycle is processed in full color on 20K sheets is as follows. However, the transfer efficiency from the photoconductors 16, 26 to the intermediate transfer belt 10 is 80%, the toner adhesion amount (for two colors) on each photoconductor 16, 26 is 20 mg, and the untransferred (residual adhesion) toner amount is 4 mg. Assumed. Waste toner amount of each unit = 4 mg × 20 K = 80 g
Accordingly, the capacities of the collection boxes 103 and 103 ′ or the positions of the sensors S1 and S2 are determined using 80 g as a guide.
However, the component life and the exhausted toner full time do not always coincide with each other. Considering the case where the time is out, the exhausted toner full is detected by the sensor, and the early characteristic deterioration (including scratches) of the parts is directly judged by the process control and the photoreceptor. In that case, it is better to replace the unit even if one is not at the replacement time.

[6] B-b. Waste toner amount in the intermediate transfer unit The estimated amount of waste toner when the intermediate transfer unit is subjected to full-color processing of 40K sheets in the replacement cycle is calculated as follows. However, the transfer efficiency from the intermediate transfer belt 10 to the sheet is assumed to be 80%, the toner adhesion amount (for four colors) on the intermediate transfer belt 10 is 32 mg, and the untransferred (residual adhesion) toner amount is 6.4 mg. if you did this. Waste toner amount = 6.4 mg × 40K = 256 g
Therefore, the capacity of the storage box 61f or the position of the sensor S3 is determined using 256 g as a guide. However, the component life and the exhausted toner full time do not always coincide with each other. Considering the case where the timing is shifted, the exhausted toner full is detected by a sensor, and the early characteristic deterioration (including scratches) of the part is directly judged by visual inspection of the process control and the intermediate transfer belt. In that case, it is better to replace the unit even if one is not at the replacement time.

[7] Relationship between the overall shape of the image forming apparatus and the shape of each unit In the embodiment described above, the writing units 18 and 28, the photoreceptor units 140A and 140A ′, and the developing unit 6 are the constituent elements of the image forming apparatus. -3, 6-3A, intermediate transfer unit 100 and the like. These are configured as a photosensitive unit and a developing unit that can be attached to and detached from each other. For example, composite units 2000 and 2000 ′ in which these units are integrated have a first image as a unit having the same shape and size as shown in FIG. A station 14 and a second image station 24 are arranged side by side.

  The configuration having such a shape and arrangement forms a single unit as an image forming process unit, and has a rectangular shape in which each configuration indicated by a solid line is accommodated in the overall configuration indicated by a broken line. This makes it possible to obtain the advantages that the overall size is made compact, the apparatus configuration is simplified, the assembly work is easy, and the like. Further, a horizontally-long rectangular paper discharge tray can be arranged above the intermediate transfer unit 100, and a horizontally-long rectangular recording paper storage section can be formed below both composite units. The shape is rectangular, and there is no waste of layout from the viewpoint of space.

It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the attachment aspect with respect to the main body side plate of a photoreceptor unit. It is a whole perspective view of a photoconductor unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a photoreceptor unit. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the attachment aspect of the common assembly member with respect to a main body side plate. It is a perspective view of a common assembly member on the near side. It is a perspective view of the main body side plate of the near side. It is the perspective view which showed the assembly | attachment state of the common assembly | attachment member to the main body side board of a near side. It is a perspective view of a common assembly member on the back side. It is a perspective view of another common assembly member on the back side. It is a perspective view of the main body side board of a back side. It is the perspective view which showed the assembly | attachment state of the common assembly | attachment member to the main body side board of a back side. It is a figure explaining the drive system of a photoconductor drum. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the interval adjusting means, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the interval adjusting means. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the adjustment means. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of various members around the photosensitive drum. FIG. 16A is a front view of a partial cross section illustrating another embodiment of the adjusting means, and FIG. 16B is a plan view of the view shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of the adjustment by the adjustment means between each image station. It is a figure explaining the image formation process. It is a figure explaining the 1st example of the process of color image formation. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of the process of color image formation. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating cleaning means and waste toner detection means of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 22. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an external appearance of an image forming apparatus. It is a perspective view of the composite unit which combined the developing unit and the photoreceptor unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of the composite unit which combined the developing unit and the photoreceptor unit. It is a figure explaining the holding | maintenance aspect of the bearing by a lever. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a manner in which the composite unit is attached to the main body side plate on the basis of the photoreceptor unit. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a manner in which the composite unit is attached to the main body side plate on the basis of the photoreceptor unit. It is a figure explaining the drive system with respect to a conveyance screw. It is a diagram illustrating a seal structure for preventing leakage of toner at a cleaning unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example in which a fixing lever is provided on the image carrier side. It is the perspective view explaining the case where the groove | channel of a common assembly member was provided inclining. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the developing unit is tilted when the photosensitive unit is disassembled in a composite unit state. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a manner in which a composite unit is attached to a main body side plate on the basis of a developing unit. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a manner in which a composite unit is attached to a main body side plate on the basis of a developing unit. It is a fragmentary perspective view explaining the intermediate support member. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combination relationship between a photoreceptor unit and a lever. It is a disassembled perspective view of a composite unit. It is the figure explaining the mode of the latching with the axis | shaft by a lever, and its cancellation | release. It is an external appearance perspective view of a composite unit. It is a figure explaining the fitting relationship of an oval shape part and a groove | channel. It is a figure explaining the fitting relationship of an oval shape part and a groove | channel. It is the front view explaining the slide member holding a receiving part. It is the fragmentary sectional view which looked at the slide member holding a receiving part from the longitudinal direction. It is a perspective view of the photoreceptor covered with the protective film. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combination of a housing and an intermediate transfer unit. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a drive mechanism unit of an intermediate transfer belt. FIG. 6 is a front view of a housing in which an intermediate transfer unit is mounted. It is the front view explaining the state where the lever hold | maintained the bearing. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the shape and layout of elements that constitute an image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

6-3, 6-3A Developing unit 16, 26 Photosensitive drum 18, 28 (as image carrier) Writing means 100 Intermediate transfer unit 140, 140A′240 Photosensitive unit 2000 Composite unit

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus comprising at least an image carrying unit, a developing unit that visualizes a latent image, and an intermediate transfer unit that receives the transferred image and transfers the visible image to a sheet. In
The image carrier unit is an image carrier unit having an integral structure including the image carrier means and its associated member, the developing means is an integral unit including the developing means and its associated member, and the intermediate unit. Each unit is assembled into an intermediate transfer unit composed of an integral structure including the transfer means and its accompanying members, and assembled to the main body.
For at least one of the units, the form, material, and use conditions are determined so that the time when the predetermined performance cannot be maintained for two or more types of parts or materials constituting the unit is substantially the same. An image forming apparatus, wherein the assembly can be released independently based on the time when the time comes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The period when the performance cannot be maintained refers to the life of the part or the material. When the part constitutes a container, the contents in the container increase with time and become full. An image forming apparatus characterized by time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image carrier unit is a photoconductor unit having at least a photoconductor, a charging unit for uniformly charging the photoconductor, and a unit case attached with a cleaning unit for cleaning the photoconductor,
A container-like waste toner storage unit attached to the unit case and storing waste toner cleaned from the photosensitive member by the cleaning means;
A waste toner full detection unit for detecting when the waste toner is filled in the waste toner container, and the photoreceptor unit is timed to be replaced when the waste toner is full by the waste toner full detection unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the lifetime of component parts and materials of the unit is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The component that determines the replacement timing of the photoconductor unit is a photoconductor, and the life of the photoconductor and the time when the waste toner is full are substantially the same time, or when the waste toner is full before the life of the photoconductor The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the capacity of the waste toner container is set so that the waste toner discarding cycle and the photosensitive member replacement cycle coincide with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said photosensitive member has a drum shape, and an unused photosensitive member used for replacement has a peripheral surface covered with a protective film. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
Among the components of the photoreceptor unit, the capacity of the waste toner container is set so that the life of the component having the shortest life and the exhaust toner full are almost at the same time, and the waste toner container An image forming apparatus characterized in that a waste toner discarding cycle accommodated in the toner cartridge is matched with a replacement cycle of a component having the shortest lifetime. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the component having the shortest life is a charging brush as the charging unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, 4, 6 or 7.
An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of the photoreceptor units, wherein the plurality of photoreceptor units are all the same shape and the same size, and have mounting compatibility with the main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The developing unit has a unit case attached with at least developing means including a developing roller and a toner agitating / conveying means, and the developer unit is filled with a developer containing toner, and the life of the developer The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement is performed as a whole developing unit together with the unit case. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.
The developing means is configured as a plurality of developing means filled with different colors of developer, and replacement of each color developer by the lifetime is performed at the same time for the entire developing unit for each unit case. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10,
An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of the development units, all of the plurality of development units having the same shape and the same size, and the plurality of development units all having mounting compatibility with the main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11.
The image carrier unit or the photoconductor unit and the developing unit are configured as a detachable composite unit, and the composite unit is also detachably assembled to the main body, and the image carrier unit or the photoconductor unit and the An image forming apparatus characterized in that, among the developing units, a unit having a shorter replacement cycle or life is detachable from the main body or the composite unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The intermediate transfer unit has a unit case attached with at least an intermediate transfer belt, transfer means for applying a transfer bias for transferring an image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt, and a cleaning means for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt. And
A container-like waste toner storage unit attached to the unit case and storing waste toner cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt by the cleaning unit;
A waste toner full detection unit for detecting when the waste toner is filled in the waste toner storage unit, and the intermediate transfer unit is timed to be replaced when the waste toner full is detected by the waste toner full detection unit. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the lifetime of component parts and materials of the unit is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
The capacity of the waste toner container is set so that the life of the intermediate transfer belt and the time when the waste toner is full are substantially the same time or the time when the waste toner is full before the life of the intermediate transfer belt is reached. An image forming apparatus, wherein a discarding cycle of waste toner stored in a storage unit is matched with a replacement cycle of the intermediate transfer belt. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.
Among the components of the intermediate transfer unit, the capacity of the waste toner storage unit is set so that the life of the component with the shortest life and the exhausted toner full are almost at the same time, and the waste toner is discarded. An image forming apparatus characterized in that a cycle is matched with a replacement cycle of a component having the shortest life. It is a method for replacing a unit in an image forming apparatus in which at least a photosensitive member, a charging unit for charging the photosensitive member, and a photosensitive unit having a unit case attached with a cleaning unit for cleaning the photosensitive member is detachably provided on the main body. And
The waste toner by the waste toner full detecting means attached to the unit case and detecting when the waste toner is full in a container-like waste toner containing portion for containing the waste toner cleaned from the photosensitive member by the cleaning means. A unit replacement method comprising replacing the photosensitive unit when full detection is detected. At least an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer means for applying a transfer bias for transferring an image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt, and an intermediate transfer unit having a unit case attached with a cleaning means for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt can be attached to and detached from the main body. A unit replacement method in the image forming apparatus provided in
The waste toner full detection means that detects when the waste toner is full in a container-like waste toner storage portion that is attached to the unit case and stores the waste toner cleaned from the intermediate transfer belt by the cleaning means. A unit replacement method comprising replacing the intermediate transfer unit when toner fullness is detected.

Images